The smoking ceremony was conducted by elder Colin Isaacs. 

The ritual was more significant this year with the NAIDOC theme We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate.

Students Myles Jerrard and Josh Williams played the sss with Dean Davis on the tapping sticks.

Local elders, parents and Aboriginal students were first to enter the hall for the NAIDOC assembly, followed by the rest of the students.

Elder Sue Blacklock and student Myles Jerrard gave the Welcome to Country, and the assembly began.

St George legend and Tingha man Nathan Blacklock was guest speaker for the event. 

His presentation began with a video of the triumphs made on the paddock, but he then brought the glamour of his career back to earth and the 2015 NAIDOC theme.

Nathan said he appreciated the life rugby league offered and his accomplishments on the field, but coming home gave him strength. “What got me through was, I’d always come home. Every chance I got, I’d always come home and see my family. I’d go for a long walk.

“It wasn’t easy to actually go back and play rugby league in the city, me being a country boy.

“So coming home, I drew strength from the land, from my past and strength from my future.”

An awards presentation for accomplished junior and senior Aboriginal students followed Nathan’s speech. 

Ebony Adams and Matthew Milson received the Principal’s Award. The Deputy Principal’s Award was presented to Lenikki Moore and Steven McGrady.

Families and students gathered afterwards in front of the school for a flag raising, and morning tea.