Celebrating First Nations Student Leaders
The 2026 Nulung Kayn Kasi event, held at MacKillop Catholic College, Mount Peter, was a powerful celebration of First Nations student leaders from all around the Far North, their families and their culture.
At this year’s ceremony, Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns recognised 67 First Nations student leaders across 17 Catholic schools, ranging from School Captains and House Captains to Student Representative Council members and more. Each student leader received a commemorative Nulung Kayn Kasi badge, certificate and gift of an ornamental candle before Fr Sabu blessed them and all they do, serving as role models for other First Nations students in their schools.
Nulung is a Gimuy Walubara Yidinji word meaning “leader”, while Kayn Kasi is a Kalaw Kawaw Ya phrase meaning “young shoot.” Together, these words reflect students who are emerging, growing and learning, guided by culture, community and respect. They remind us that leadership is a journey, nurtured over time where young people develop confidence, responsibility and care for others, while proudly carrying their culture into the future.
Staff and students present included those from as far afield as Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Waiben; St Joseph’s School, Weipa; and those from the Cape and the islands who board at St Augustine’s College, St Monica’s College, Mt St Bernard College, and Holy Spirit College.
The occasion was enriched by the presence and wisdom of local Gimuy, Walubara, and Yidinji elders and traditional custodians, as well we the principals from each of the schools, showing their unwavering support for, and encouragement of, the Catholic schools’ 2026 First Nations student leaders.
CEDC Deputy Executive Director Wayne Wood addressed the event, reflecting on his personal experience of being an immigrant to Australia and meeting and coming to understand First Nations students and culture.
CEDC Executive Director Durm O’Riordan reinforced the Catholic Church’s commitment to supporting First Nations students.
“The Diocese of Cairns has one of the highest proportions of First Nations students of any Catholic Education system in Australia, including providing boarding options for those students from remote communities in the Far North,” said Mr O’Riordan.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally-responsive learning environment for First Nations students, infusing their rich cultural heritage, languages, and histories across our curriculum.”
