A vibrant showcase of dance, music and storytelling lit up the stage at Bowen State High School’s inaugural Multicultural Evening, where students, teachers and community members came together to celebrate cultural heritage and unity.
Year 10 student Seinimilli Mau was credited as the driving force behind the evening, with her passion and leadership shining through every detail of the program.
Guest compere Joe Mau, a Year 12 student from Burdekin Christian College, kept the evening flowing with a mix of humour, soulful singing and a strong reminder of the importance of recognising and preserving culture.
Local primary school students and seasonal workers attended and students proudly showcased their cultural heritage through captivating dance, movement and song performances.
The evening's theme took the audience on a symbolic sea voyage, it opened with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, led by staff member Greg Power alongside students, before Mary Ellen and Kenzie delivered a moving performance honouring the Torres Strait Islands.
From there, the journey continued to the Cook Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga, as students presented a series of captivating dances that highlighted the beauty and traditions of their homelands. Teachers were also invited on stage, dancing alongside their students in a moment that captured the event’s spirit of togetherness.
The night was hailed as a resounding success, not only for the talent on display but also for the powerful message of pride, identity and unity. Principal Robert Harris expressed his gratitude to all students, families and community members who helped make the celebration possible.
“Their collective efforts have created a lasting impact, inspiring me to continue celebrating our diversity and unity," he added.
“Students and staff are also saying how great the event was, they have been saying it was great to be able to build a connection.
“The two themes of embracing opportunities and strengthening relationships, they are the two hashtags I keep going on about, they build school culture.”
With the success of the inaugural event, excitement is already building for 2026, when the community will again gather to honour and celebrate the school’s rich cultural diversity.
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