Fitzgerald State School has captured a major accolade on the national stage, receiving an award for storytelling excellence and creativity in the performing arts at the 2024 National Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival.
Their performance, Salt meets Sand, stood out for its thoughtful portrayal of unity, culture, and respect, winning acclaim among 180 participating schools from across Australia. The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival, Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools, embraces the ethos that “great stories inspire change,” encouraging students to share stories that embody their thoughts, ideas, and hopes for the future.
Wakakirri Festival Director Adam Loxley expressed his admiration for the students’ effort and creativity.
"The standard this year was exceptional, so Fitzgerald State School should be very proud of their award,” Mr Loxley said.
“This acknowledgment reflects the high quality and creativity that Fitzgerald State School brought to their participation in the Wakakirri festival.”
With a powerful theme, Salt meets Sand conveys the connection of two cultures uniting over their respect for land, sea, and sky, inviting audiences to celebrate diversity and shared spaces. It tells the story of forming a community where everyone finds belonging, emphasising both unity and respect.
Wakakirri Ambassador Samuel McKeown described it as “A performance that felt authentic in its storytelling, dancing, and costuming, beautifully presented to tell the heartfelt story of coming together.”
Sam Scott-Girgenti, Fitzgerald State School’s performance coordinator, celebrated the achievement.
“We are so excited to win a National Award! Fitzgerald has been participating in Wakakirri for over 20 years and it’s such a great experience for the students.
“We had the privilege of working and collaborating with Torres Strait Islander Cultural Advisor and Choreographer Patrick Thaiday (First Nations Coordinator, PCYC Queensland) and his family, who assisted in consultations with First Nations Traditional Land owners to present our story of belonging.”
The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program that aims to foster student engagement and wellbeing through the performing arts. Through live performances in theaters nationwide, and even via Wakakirri Video for schools in more remote areas, schools across Australia bring their stories to life.
Wakakirri’s partners, including Greenfleet, Kids Helpline, Planet Ark, and Reconciliation Australia, support its mission to make meaningful connections through the arts.
Fitzgerald State School students bring Salt Meets Sand to life, earning a National Wakakirri Award for their moving celebration of cultural unity. Photos supplied
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