Inner Strength Takes Centre Stage in Wakakirri 2025 Festival National Results

As Wakakirri wraps up another remarkable year, Festival Director Adam Loxley says he’s filled with immense pride and gratitude for the storytelling, creativity, and community spirit that defined the 2025 season.

“This year’s theme, Mind Over Matter: Tales of Inner Strength, encouraged schools to explore resilience, courage, and the power of belief,” Loxley said.  “The stories students created were deeply moving, from heartfelt contemporary pieces to high-energy productions that reminded us all of the strength we carry inside.”

Across Australia, hundreds of schools came together to share performances that didn’t just entertain, they uplifted, inspired, and connected communities.  Each Story-Dance captured the spirit of young people finding their voices and using creativity as a powerful tool for expression and well-being.

As the season draws to a close, Wakakirri is proud to celebrate the national award-winning schools whose Story-Dances impressed audiences and judges alike.  These schools showcased exceptional creativity, teamwork, and storytelling, reflecting the best of what Australian students can achieve on stage.

The 2025 season also saw the introduction of the National Special Merit Awards, recognising outstanding off-stage contributions that reflect Wakakirri’s core values of creativity, inclusivity, leadership, and positive social change.

Beyond the stage, Wakakirri expanded its impact through initiatives like the Work Placement Program, offering students hands-on experience in live events, production, and media.  Students even co-hosted this year’s Season Wrap-Up TV Special, showcasing how Wakakirri continues to empower young people both on and off the stage.

Another highlight was the launch of the Free Story-Dance Program, providing selected schools complimentary access to the Beginners Program and helping new teachers and students feel confident creating their first Story-Dance. Meanwhile, the Wakakirri Inspiration Fund raised over $13,000, supporting schools in disadvantaged communities to participate in Wakakirri Live.

“Our festival has always been about more than performance,” said Loxley. “It’s about giving students a platform to express themselves, build confidence, and tell stories that matter.”

Registrations for Wakakirri 2026 are now open.  Next year’s theme, Guardians of Us, will invite schools to explore stories about unity, equity, and the power we all have to make the world a little kinder, continuing Wakakirri’s mission to inspire creativity and positive social change through storytelling.

Here are a few schools that earned national recognition for their outstanding Story-Dance performances in 2025.  The full list of National Festival Award winners can be found at www.wakakirri.com.

Mayfield East Public School, NSW (main image)
National Special Merit Award
Inspired by Polina, an 11-year-old girl in war-torn Kyiv caring for displaced animals, students turned empathy into action with a fundraising day. With the support of their community, they raised an incredible $4,000 - showing the power of compassion, creativity, and collective effort to make a global impact.

Saltwater P-9 College, Victoria
National Story-Dance Award
“Full Circle” explores the clash between desire and expectation, revealing how inner strength and belief in ones life journey leads to self-discovery and transformations, ultimately shaping who we become.

Trinity College, WA
National Story-Dance Award
Exploring the concept of belonging for women highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where women are valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We aim to inspire individuals and communities to work towards fostering gender equality, promoting diversity, and building a more equitable society for all.