Twenty-five First Nations students from across Australia graduated from the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Association (NAISDA) at a ceremony held on Darkinjung Country, NSW Central Coast, on Wednesday.
Held during NAISDA's 50th anniversary year, the ceremony celebrated a graduating cohort whose achievements reflect the artistic excellence, cultural connection and emerging leadership that have defined NAISDA for five decades.
NAISDA chairperson Mayrah Sonter said the graduation marked an important milestone for the students, and a proud moment for the families and communities who have supported them throughout their study and training.
"Today we celebrate 25 remarkable young people. Each graduate has walked their own path, bringing their own experiences, strengths and aspirations," she said.
"Through NAISDA they have travelled across Australia and overseas; studied in New York; learnt and lived with communities in North East Arnhem Land and Moa Island in the Torres Strait; collaborated with leading First Nations creatives and companies; performed at VIVID, major festivals and events; and on occasion found themselves suspended 8 metres above stage in an aerial performance harness.
"They have stepped well beyond their comfort zones, shared culture and story, and discovered what they are truly capable of. These are the experiences that shape confident artists and strong leaders, ready for what comes next."
A defining element of NAISDA's training is its strong connection to industry and community. Earlier this year, graduating Advanced Diploma students undertook placements with Outback Theatre for Young People, with Drew Walker and Lena Parkes moving directly into professional roles following graduation.
Advanced Diploma graduate Alira Morgan is already building a multidisciplinary practice as a performer, choreographer and music composer, collaborating with leading artists across the sector, many of whom are fellow NAISDA alumni.
"My time at NAISDA has been amazing, I really adore the training and everything we learn, especially our cultural experiences and being able to build connections with my trainers and learn their tools," Morgan told National Indigenous Times.
The graduation ceremony also marked the opening of applications for NAISDA's 2027 student intake and the launch of a new Live Production and Technical Services qualification.
NAISDA chief executive officer Kim Walker AM said the new qualification reflected the evolving needs of the creative industries, creating pathways for First Nations students interested in technical production and backstage careers.
"As we celebrate 50 years of achievement, we are also looking ahead, ensuring NAISDA continues to grow and evolve to support the future of First Nations performance, both on stage and behind the scenes," he said.
The ceremony was hosted by NAISDA alumnus and ABC Gardening Australia presenter Clarence Slockee, with keynote addresses from fellow alumnus and award-winning Founder and artistic director of Karul Projects Thomas E. S. Kelly.
"Being back in the college, teaching the next generation and being able to be here at the graduation, celebrating their success, which is part of a legacy as NAISDA steps into 50 years this year, I am super honoured and privileged to be a part of it," Kelly told National Indigenous Times.
Together, they represent generations of NAISDA graduates who have shaped Australia's creative and cultural landscape on stages, screens, in studios, classrooms, production teams and communities.
Applications for NAISDA's 2027 intake are now open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 16 and over.
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