St Joseph’s Parish School student leader Lala-Sue Bowie is presented with her First Nations leadership badge by Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns executive director Durm O’Riordan. Photo: Supplied.
During a year of leading with quiet confidence, a student at St Joseph’s Parish School Weipa has been honoured with her Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns (CEDC) First Nations Leadership Badge.
Year 6 student Lala-Sue Bowie was presented with the badge earlier this month by CEDC executive director Durm O’Riordan, highlighting her achievements as a 2025 First Nations student leader.
Lala-Sue said she aimed to be a positive influence for peers and younger students, and help them grow their confidence as hers had over the years.
“I want to set a good example, and I think in the last three years, I’ve been showing who I really am,” she said.
“I want to show them that everyone is unique, and you don’t always have to be perfect, even when you’re a leader, because we’ll all make mistakes.”
The young leader said it was especially important for her to inspire confidence in her fellow First Nations students and future leaders.
“[I hope] they won’t be shy if they get to be a leader, and they’ll just be proud of who they are,” she said.
Mum Ada Bowie added her daughter was a selfless person who was always happy to help others.
“The leadership role she has been given at school this year required her to write an application about why she would be a good leader,” she said.
“She spoke about wanting to help others and set a positive example for others to follow.
“She has a heart to serve while also leading, and it shows in the way she applies herself to her schoolwork, sports, and any other tasks we give her.”
Ms Bowie said their family moved from the Northern Peninsula Area community of Injinoo when Lala-Sue was in year 1, and that her daughter hoped to take her leadership skills back to her hometown community.
“She has grown a lot over the years, especially in confidence, and St Joseph’s have helped nurture that growth in many ways,” Ms Bowie said.
“She does hope to one day return to Injinoo when she’s older, and take all that she’s learned home.”
