Ingham Students Power Creative Generation

ISHS Students Nalini Schofield and Keldon Fletcher at CGEN 2026. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by the office of Wayde Chiesa MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa, knows that coming from a small town does not limit your potential and congratulates the hard work that has seen two Year 12 students from Ingham State High School on stage alongside some of Queensland’s most talented young performers for the 22nd annual Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage (CGEN), that ran Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th July.  

Mr Chiesa congratulated the local students for proudly representing Ingham State High School at Queensland’s largest youth performing arts event.  

“It is fantastic to see Nalini and Keldon having the opportunity to take their talents from Ingham to one of Queensland’s biggest stages,” Mr Chiesa said.  

“Creative Generation gives students the chance to perform alongside young people from across Queensland and experience major live production after months of preparation.  

“I’m incredibly proud to see students from Hinchinbrook taking advantage of opportunities like this, building new skills and proudly representing their school and community.”  

Year 12 Ingham State High School student Keldon Fletcher said his involvement in CGEN had helped turn an interest in technical production into opportunities beyond school.  

“CGEN has been such a unique experience and has given me the chance to work alongside global leaders in technical production,” he said.  

“I started out as a backstage crew member in my first year, before spending the next two years as a Communication Technician.  

“It’s been a really valuable learning experience, and it’s also helped me secure future employment in the technical industry.”  

Fellow Year 12 student Nalini Schofield said four years of involvement in CGEN had given her the opportunity to experience different sides of a major production.  

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“I’ve been involved in CGEN for four years, twice in the singing choir and twice as part of the backstage crew,” she said.  

“This year I learnt more about staging, prop design, lighting and sound, as well as the opportunities available in the industry during and after high school.  

“I got to connect with new and old friends and had the privilege of not only experiencing this amazing state schools production but being part of it.  

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“I’m excited to see where the knowledge, support and connections I’ve gained through CGEN take me in the future.”  

This year’s Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage brought together 2,000 students from Kindy to Year 12, representing 181 state schools across Queensland.  

Following six months of preparation, students took part in five arena-scale shows across three days at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre under the 2026 theme, Dream Big – A Brighter Future.  

Each performance includes a 500-voice choir, 70-piece symphony orchestra, more than 1,000 dancers, as well as student stage and media crews.  

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the State Government was proud to deliver another year of the event.  

“This program is about more than just performance — it builds confidence, teamwork, skills and memories that will last a lifetime,” Minister Langbroek said.  

“For many young artists, Creative Generation has been a springboard into professional careers, and I want to thank all the teachers, parents and volunteers who’ve helped give these students an unforgettable opportunity.  

Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage 2026 will be broadcast on the Nine Network later this year. Find out more here: creativegeneration.education.qld.gov.au