Kirwan State High School formal fury: Indigenous boys barred from celebrations sparks outrage

A group of Indigenous students performed a powerful cultural dance on the red carpet after being denied entry to their own formal in Townsville, with outraged parents taking legal action.

A group of Indigenous students performed a powerful cultural dance on the red carpet after being suddenly denied entry to their own formal, in a controversial incident that has sparked outraged parents to take legal action.

The controversy unfolded last Friday night at the Kirwan State High School formal, held at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

Seven Indigenous teenage boys dressed to the nines arrived together in a stretch limousine, intending to celebrate their Year 12 graduation.

However, the night took an unexpected turn when they were abruptly refused entry, with families alleging they were unfairly targeted.

Parents claim the boys’ limousine was the only vehicle stopped and searched by a staff member. An empty alcohol container was reportedly found, leading to the exclusion of all seven students.

Video footage taken from the night shows a tense scene as other students and families at the venue watching the formal arrivals rallied in support and called for the group – many who are accomplished young athletes – to be allowed entry.

Under growing pressure, the students were eventually allowed to walk the red carpet and perform a cultural dance that had been prearranged.

However, they were ultimately still barred from entering the venue and participating in the formal celebration alongside their peers.

GALLERY 1: First 100 photos from Kirwan High formal

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In a joint statement shared with the Townsville Bulletin, the families of the seven students voiced their deep disappointment and anger over the treatment their children received.

“Seven First Nations Year 12 Graduates from Kirwan State High School were reused entry to attend their school graduation formal at the Country Bank Stadium on the evening of Friday, November 15, 2024,” the statement said.

“The families of these young men are very disappointed and distressed on the mistreatment of the young men, who earlier in the day participated in the school graduation ceremony where they received their sporting, academic achievements and certificate of completion.

“The dedicated young men met the attendance, academic and financial requirements to graduate and attend the school formal.

“A member of the Kirwan State High School leadership team made a decision to refuse entry of these seven young men.

“Due to the Friday night incident, this has had a direct impact on these seven students and has also indirectly impacted other students, their families and the Townsville community.

“The families of the students impacted by this incident are lodging a representative complaint to the Human Rights Commission through Levitt and Robinson legal team.”

A spokesman for the Department of Education defended the school’s actions, stating: “The department unequivocally rejects any allegations of racial discrimination regarding the exclusion of students from the Year 12 formal. In line with established procedures, and to protect the safety and wellbeing of all attendees, students arriving under the influence of alcohol are denied entry from school events.”

Levitt and Robinson Solicitors, the legal team representing the families, previously led a successful class action against the Queensland Government over police treatment of Palm Island residents in 2004, resulting in a $30 million settlement.

Originally published as Kirwan State High School formal fury: Indigenous boys barred from celebrations sparks outrage