Radiant Life College brought students, families and community organisations together in Innisfail for a NAIDOC celebration focused on culture, history and the next generation of First Nations leaders.
The college hosted the event last week under the 2026 NAIDOC theme, "50 Years of Deadly".
The program opened with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance performances and a slideshow honouring Elders and ancestors.
Dyirribarra and Dulgabara man from the Mamu Nation and Radiant Life College Principal, Nathanael Edwards described the event as an opportunity for the school to welcome the wider community.
"This is a time that Radiant Life College gets to open its doors and welcome the community, which is exactly what a school is," Mr Edwards said.
"'50 Years of Deadly' is a stepping stone, and it gives us hope to where the next 50 years will take us.
"Like we say, it's my country, your country, our country."
Students and visitors also took part in a bush tucker lunch, market stalls, a reptile show and tell, live music and other activities.
The celebration provided an opportunity for students to learn about the history and cultural significance of Indigenous peoples while reflecting on the role of Elders, past and present.
Students prepared for the event by researching NAIDOC history and completing related art activities.
The celebration was attended by Ganyarra Rugby League Academy staff Antonio Winterstein and Robert Lui, as well as Parramatta Eels player Brian Kelly and representatives from the Northern Pride.
James Cook University, JCU TropWATER, biosecurity program TopWatch!, Queensland Police, the Australian Defence Force, Mamu Health Service and the Mandubarra Land and Sea Rangers were also represented.
Local clan groups joined the event alongside students and staff from schools across the region.
Participating schools included Newman Catholic College at Smithfield, Flying Fish Point State School, Good Counsel College, Peace Lutheran College, Trinity Anglican School and C&K.
The college also acknowledged support from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council and members of the wider community.
