Two Galston High School students have earned statewide acclaim in the 2025 NAIDOC Week School Initiatives Creative Art Competition, an annual program that invites young people across New South Wales to fuse Indigenous culture with road-safety messaging.
Year 10 student Erica Hwang received the coveted Minister’s Medal of Excellence, along with a $250 voucher from Geedup Clothing, for her striking artwork. Classmate Sienna Logan was also recognised, receiving a Commendation Medal and placing among the state’s top 25 entrants for her original poster design.
The competition, which celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, challenged students to create a visual reminder urging their peers to call out unsafe behaviour on the road. Entrants explored themes such as speeding, impaired driving and personal responsibility, using contemporary and traditional artistic elements to communicate a strong safety message.
Their achievements were formally acknowledged during a school assembly attended by Hornsby Mayor Warren Waddell, NAIDOC Executive Director Dylan Williams, and Sam Morrocu, Partnerships Manager at Geedup Clothing.
Teachers and community representatives praised the pair for producing works that not only honour Indigenous culture but also deliver a timely reminder about making safer choices in everyday life. Their success underscores the role of youth-led art in shaping conversations around respect, responsibility and community wellbeing.
