QATSIF Graduation Celebration
On Wednesday 5 August, representatives from CEDC joined staff and First Nations students from our colleges at the 2026 Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Graduation ceremony held at James Cook University. It was a deeply meaningful occasion, made even more special by the formal opening from the Mount St Bernard College, Herberton (MSB) dancers, whose traditional Torres Strait Islander bamboo stick dances offered a powerful expression of culture, identity and pride.
The ceremony provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements, perseverance and promise of our First Nations students who have benefited from QATSIF scholarships. Their success is not only a personal accomplishment; it is a testament to the support of families, Elders, school staff, cultural mentors and communities who walk alongside them. We acknowledge these students with humility, recognising the gifts they bring to our colleges and the hope they represent for the future.
QATSIF was established to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with increased educational choices and life opportunities. Through its scholarship program, QATSIF supports eligible First Nations students in Years 11 and 12 with the costs of senior schooling, helping to strengthen retention, participation and completion. The program continues to support thousands of Queensland students each year and has administered scholarships to more than 24,000 students across more than 400 secondary schools since its first intake in 2010.
In Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns, the achievements of our First Nations students are central to our current Strategic Directions 2026–2028. They call us to be intentional in creating school communities where every student is known, valued, supported and challenged to flourish. When our First Nations students complete senior schooling, deepen their cultural identity, contribute to the life of their college and step confidently into further learning, work and service, we see a tangible expression of our mission in action.
This is core work for Catholic education in our diocese. It is work grounded in the dignity of every person, the pursuit of justice, the strengthening of belonging, and our commitment to walk together in hope. The legacy of QATSIF also reminds us that educational opportunity must be held with gratitude and responsibility, honouring the sacrifices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and ensuring that future generations benefit from their enduring contribution.
Congratulations to each of our First Nations QATSIF graduates and scholars. May you take great pride in what you have achieved, and may you know that your colleges and our diocesan community are proud to stand with you. We give thanks for your leadership, your culture, your learning and your witness, and we recommit ourselves to ensuring that the flourishing of First Nations students remains a visible and sustained priority across Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns.
Follow the link to find out more about the QATSIF Scholarship Program.