Indigenous students on the New South Wales Mid North Coast are embracing a proud tradition by attending the Koori Formal. Shaylor Thompson, a Dunghutti teenager from Kempsey, was among 30 First Nations students 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 Koori Formal serves as a significant occasion for these students and their families. "It's been really good and exciting; it's great to see all the families here watching their babies get to graduate," Shaylor added.

According to the National Indigenous Australians Agency, recent census data shows that non-Indigenous Australians aged 20 to 24 are 1.3 times more likely to have completed year 12 or an equivalent level of education. Local elders Aunty Jackie Welsh and Aunty Natalie Smith have been working to change this statistic for years. About 17 years ago, while serving as Aboriginal Education Officers, they proposed a special dinner for First Nations graduates to inspire others to complete their high school education.

"It gave us an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate, without all the frictions that may be present in the wider community," Aunty Natalie explained. They presented their idea to the principals of Melville and Kempsey high schools, which funded the first Koori Formal. The event has since grown to include all Indigenous graduates from Macleay Valley high schools, with over 200 tickets sold this year.

Aunty Jackie emphasized the importance of accessibility for all families. "The Koori Formal is just about the kids and their parents, so the parents can congratulate their kids and be proud of their kids for reaching that level," she said. She noted that many families may not attend the main formal due to costs or limited guest allowances.

Isiah Heuston, a Gumbaynggirr teenager living on Dunghutti country, attended this year's Koori Formal at Melville High School. He is the 2025 vice-captain of Melville High and credits the Koori Formal as a significant motivator in completing his education. "There definitely have been a few challenges, ups and downs throughout high school, but I've overcome them, whether it be teacher support or through Mum and Dad," he said. Isiah's father expressed pride in his son's achievements, stating, "No matter what I do in the HSC or whatever it may be, he's proud of me. I got here in the end."

Melville High School principal Andrew Ryder described the Koori Formal as a celebration of a major educational milestone for First Nations students. "It's fantastic; it really is a great achievement for all the schools to get their students to the HSC and to graduate high school," he said. The Koori Formal has been held annually for nearly two decades, even adapting to an online format during the coronavirus pandemic.

Zailen Campbell-Cook Flanders, a former student and 2024 graduate, attended the formal this year with his sister. "She's done well to follow in my footsteps and finish school; I'm proud of her," Zailen said. He believes that a Koori Formal should be established for all Indigenous students across New South Wales or even Australia.

The state's Education Department reported a 7.9 percent increase in the number of First Nations students enrolled in year 12 on the Mid North Coast from 2022 to 2024. A similar event took place on the state's south coast, where Catholic and independent high schools gathered on Dharwal lands for their fourth annual Deadly Grad.

Aunty Jackie and Aunty Natalie hope their legacy will continue. "Whoever takes over from me and Natalie in the future, I'd like to see that they will continue and encourage the parents and kids to be part of it," Aunty Jackie said. "The foundations are already built there; I'd like to see somebody continue it."