Hosting the vibrant NAIDOC 2024 celebration

Radiant Life College hosted a vibrant NAIDOC Week event on Thursday, 11 July, bringing together the community to celebrate First Nations cultures and traditions.

The event opened with dance performances by an Aboriginal group and a Torres Strait Islander group, enriching the cultural experience for all attendees.

The celebration saw several local Indigenous groups and organisations come together, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and pride.

A highlight of the day was the visit from Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam, a proud Kuku Yalanji man from Far North Queensland. Ezra’s presence added excitement and inspiration, especially for the young sports enthusiasts present.

During a Q&A session, Ezra named his grandparents as pivotal role models in his life.

“I’m grateful for my grandparents and the sacrifices they made to help me get where I am today,” he said.

“They told me to perfect my craft and to work hard.”

Ezra offered words of encouragement to the youngsters present.

“Stick at what you’re doing – if you’ve got a hobby or a sport, keep at it,” he said.

“You never know where it’ll take you.

“Put your best foot forward and see what happens, whether you want to go on to play a sport or be an engineer.”

After the formalities, students lined up for photos and autographs with the Broncos player and visiting school groups had the opportunity to learn traditional spear-throwing techniques from the Goondoi Rangers.

In addition to the cultural performances and activities, the event featured opportunities to meet with representatives from various Indigenous and environmental groups, as well as visit stalls offering a variety of goods.

Attendees also enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, showcasing a range of flavours that celebrated the rich culinary traditions of Indigenous Australia.

Radiant Life College Principal and MaMu man Nathanael Edwards said the event was a resounding success and a day of joy.

“The NAIDOC Week event at Radiant Life College was a wonderful celebration of our First Nations peoples,” he said.

“We are proud to have hosted such an inclusive and educational event that brought our community together to honour and learn about the rich cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Radiant Life College extends its gratitude to all the participants, performers, and attendees who made the event a resounding success. The college remains committed to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures within the community.