This region, rich with Aboriginal heritage and creative expression, offered a rare insight into traditions that have been passed down through generations.

One of the highlights was meeting Bernard Lee Singleton Jr, an Umpire, Djabugay/Yirrgay man and multidisciplinary artist. Bernards practice spans from performance and curation to traditional tool making and sculpture. His work is not only visually powerful, but carries deep cultural significance, especially his ceremonial objects, weapons and use of didgeridoos.

I also had the chance to meet fashion designer and artist Simone Arnol, a Gunggandji - Yarrabah woman whose work beautifully blends traditional techniques with contemporary sustainable fashion. Her garments and artwork reflect her connection to community, identity and story telling. Through her designs she celebrates indigenous culture in bold innovative ways that remain grounded in tradition.

Beyond their studio - Yakal Gallery, I was introduced to traditional Aboriginal weaving practices - delicate, purposeful and deeply symbolic. Using native plant fibres women have long woven mats, baskets and ceremonial pieces, often while sitting in groups, passing knowledge through generations by hand and voice. The rhythm of the weaving felt familiar to me as a fire artist, but the stories woven into each piece made it uniquely powerful.

While in Cairns, I discovered Indigenous traditions that are now contemporary and still evolving. Their practices aren't just art forms; they're acts of preservation, resistance and pride. The hands of artists like Bernard and Simone continue to inspire and educate one fiber, carving or brush stroke at a time.

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