A massive congratulations to our Year 7 Future Performers who have been awarded a National Award for excellence in storytelling, creativity, and the performing arts for our 2026 Story-Dance performance, placing them among the top schools in Australia recognised for excellence in the festival.
Inspired by the Wakakirri ethos “Great stories inspire change”, participating schools create and perform Story-Dances that reflect students’ thoughts, ideas, and aspirations.
Wakakirri Festival Director Adam Loxley said “It was wonderful to see Varsity College bring their story to life with such passion and imagination. This acknowledgment reflects the high quality and creativity that Varsity College brought to their participation in the Wakakirri festival.”
Our students’ story is about Honouring Steve Irwin’s legacy, Wildlife Warriors stand as guardians of us – protecting animals, earth, and future generations. Through Terri, Bindi, and Robert, his fearless spirit lives on, inspiring global action, compassion, and enduring family strength. Their performance Wildlife Warriors was described by Wakakirri Ambassador Emma Whitefield as “A beloved story told with compassion and joy.”
Our performance coordinator Tami Creasey said “The entire experience has been incredibly inspiring. The students truly owned this performance from start to finish. They chose the story they wanted to tell, developed the choreography, and designed the projections, making them the creators and driving force behind the production. I was privileged to guide them throughout the process and witness their growth not only as performers, but also as young people. Watching their confidence, creativity, and teamwork flourish has been a highlight of my 20-year career.”
The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program that helps schools develop student engagement and wellbeing through participation in the performing arts. Schools participate by creating Story-Dances which they perform in live theatres in capital cities and selected regional areas around Australia. Schools in remote and regional areas can participate via Wakakirri Video.
Wakakirri’s partners include Amplify, Kids Helpline, Open Parachute, and The Sebastian Foundation.
