Culture and connection took centre stage during a lively morning at Port Douglas State School, where students, seniors, and Indigenous Elders came together for a day of hands-on activities and meaningful exchanges. 

The event, part of Mental Health Week, had a simple yet powerful goal: to have fun while building bridges across generations and cultures.

Traditional spear throwing, coconut cracking, weaving, face painting, and Indigenous storytelling were just some of the activities that brought the community together.

One highlight was the Kuku Yalanji cooking demonstration by Jabalbina Elders, along with a captivating ochre presentation by Mossman State High School students. 

The school also hosted a language book presentation from Mossman State School, featuring their Jinkalmu book, a step toward revitalising Indigenous languages.

Ms Kelda Wray, a teacher at the school, expressed her delight with the day, describing it as full of “smiles, laughter, and engagement from all ages and cultures.” 

She emphasised the event’s aim to boost mental health and strengthen community bonds by encouraging collaboration, learning, and fun.

Ms Wray recalled how students eagerly embraced Indigenous culture, particularly when Pam, a Jabalbina Elder, introduced them to the Kuku Yalanji dictionary. Students excitedly tested each other on the new words they were learning.