Beloved Wonga Beach teacher goes the extra mile for local kids
LOCAL CHAMPION
Douglas Shire is home to some truly wonderful teachers, and Naomi Arthurson is certainly one of them, with her incredible efforts even recently earning her a 2026 Australia Day Award nomination.
Naomi Arthurson is one of those people who quietly becomes part of the heartbeat of communities across Wonga Beach, Daintree, and the wider Douglas region.
Teaching across both Wonga Beach and Daintree State Schools, Naomi has dedicated her career to helping local children build confidence, connection, and lifelong memories through sport, health, and technology.
Over the years, she has volunteered countless hours running before-school sports programs, leading the school initiative “Wednesday Bike Bus” - which continues to encourage healthy and active travel to school - and working as an active member of the P&C.
As a qualified swim instructor and trainer, one of Naomi’s greatest passions is teaching children to swim, a vital skill in Far North Queensland, where rivers, creeks, and beaches are a part of everyday life.
Her quiet commitment has truly become the heartbeat of the local community.
That tireless dedication to local families was recently recognised on a larger scale, earning Naomi a well-deserved 2026 Australia Day nomination.