South East regional final

Master of Ceremonies

Kat Davidson

Kat Davidson brings over 25 years of stage experience, tailoring her delivery to suit any event. Having performed across Australia and Canada, from pubs and comedy clubs to gala events and conferences, she also boasts 15 years as a producer and broadcaster for ABC Local Radio.

Kat's warm, engaging, and confident style makes her an ideal awards night host, her charm, humour, and professionalism guarantee a memorable experience.

Welcome to Country

Luther Cora

We are traditional people from the Gold Coast area or the Yugambeh language group. The Yugambeh language group starts from the Tweed River in the south to the Logan River in the north, and west over the range to Beaudesert.

I would like to Acknowledge our ancestors who are no longer here, who walked long before us on this country, on this Jargun, Yugambeh Jargun before colonisation, before white people, those who lived and maintained our culture, our songs, dances, dreaming, our lore's and looked after our beautiful country.

I would like to acknowledge the Great Creator and my Country the land the jargun, which we stand on and acknowledge my totem the Eagle (Mibunn).

On behalf of my family, I would like to Welcome you all here, on to my country. In my language, the Yugambeh language for welcome, we say Jingeri.

jingeri wala walu ba Yugambeh jargun.

Entertainment

Nate Daniels

Nate Daniels is a true entertainer, guaranteed to leave you smiling for days. With over 15 years of experience, Nate has mastered the art of reading the room, delivering the perfect soundtrack for any vibe. From timeless classics and singalongs spanning the 60s to the 2010s (plus a few surprises), he creates the atmosphere you need—whether it's a laid-back background vibe or a full-blown party. With his comforting humour and engaging presence, Nate Daniels ensures every moment is unforgettable.

Southport Special School Percussion Program

From humble beginnings in 2023, with just 6 students playing small djembes during lunchtime, the Southport Special School Percussion Program now performs with the Queensland Youth Orchestras and are frequently invited to share their talent at local early childhood centres.

The ensemble has grown from 6 to over 60 musicians, who represent the Southport Special School at numerous prestigious events, including the Queensland Association of Special Education Leaders Conference, Gold Coast Disability Awareness Week, and the Queensland Council of Social Services Conference.

Tapori Squad

Tapori Squad is a premium professional dance company of over 55 professional dancers, known for headlining major events across Brisbane, including all large-scale concerts. The team has proudly represented India on international stages, performed alongside International artists, won dance competitions and performed interstate for some of the country’s most prestigious cultural and corporate events.

Tapori Squad specialises in delivering high-impact, vibrant performances that fuse a variety of over 14 styles – from Bollywood, Bhangra and Garba to Kuthu, Kathak, semi-classical, hip-hop and contemporary, to name just a few. Every show is tailored to the audience and curated to leave a lasting impression.

Contemporary Aboriginal and digital artist

Cheyann Beard

Cheyann is a proud Quandamooka woman of the Nunukul and Nughi peoples from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Moreton Bay, with cultural ties extending to Beaudesert and the Gold Coast. A self-taught contemporary Aboriginal and digital artist, her passion for art began as a jarjum (child) and has evolved through her personal journey and experiences across Australia.

While embracing contemporary techniques, her work remains rooted in traditional practices, focusing on cultural storytelling and connection to Country. Her art honours her ancestors and celebrates the richness of Aboriginal culture. This creative journey has strengthened her cultural identity, which she now shares to inspire and uplift future generations.