Attending the Koori Formal is becoming a proud tradition for Indigenous students on the New South Wales Mid North Coast such as Shaylor Thompson.

The Dunghutti teen has always lived in Kempsey and was one of 30 First Nations students from across four Macleay Valley high schools who recently graduated from year 12.

"It's really good to see everyone else succeed and finish year 12," she said.

" Not a lot of kids get that opportunity, especially around … Kempsey. "

The formal was an occasion to cherish.

"It's been really good and exciting, it's great to see all the families here watching their babies get to graduate," Shaylor said.

Graduation rates

Using the most recent census data, the National Indigenous Australians Agency found non-Indigenous Australians aged between 20 and 24 we

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