At just 14 years old, Rick Cunningham left school to begin a building apprenticeship.

However his journey would eventually take him back to his cultural roots, and nowdays, the proud Gamilaraay man is the owner of Narrabri Fish Farm, the largest aquaculture facility in the southern hemisphere.

Following this year's NAIDOC Week, Mr Cunningham, 43, is being recognised by TAFE NSW as one of four First Nations graduates who reflect this year's theme: 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy'.

Having completed a Certificate III in Guiding (Cultural Tourism) through TAFE NSW, Mr Cunningham has been dedicated to developing the cultural tourism side of the Fish Farm. Through the growth of the Farm, Mr Cunningham is not only pursuing his dream but also preserving First Nations culture.

"I am building a future by walking strong and keeping culture alive through the Fish Farm. I'm not just growing fish, I'm growing pride, skills and connection to the land and water, making sure there is fish for our future," Mr Cunningham said.

Located in Narrabri, NSW, the Fish Farm is home to more than 100 developed ponds breeding native fish such as Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Eel-Tailed Catfish, Silver Perch, as well as Yabbies. The farm also offers daily tours, including fishing and yabbying experiences.

"I always had a very keen interest in the river systems and the bush. Professionally, I'm nearly 15 years into owning the Narrabri Fish Farm, which I am truly passionate about, breeding and growing native fish from this area to restock rivers around Australia," Mr Cunningham said.

Narrabri Fish Farm hasn't always been the cultural hotspot it is today. Mr Cunningham and his wife, Sharmaine, purchased the property in 2011, seeing potential in what was then an already-established fish farm.

"I left school due to gaining a building apprenticeship, but this didn't last long. I was soon helping my mum in her phone shop for a number of years before heading back to the building game," Mr Cunningham explained.

"It put me in the right spot at the right time to purchase the Narrabri Fish Farm, which was my dream job."

Since then, the farm has grown into not just a business, but a cultural destination, offering culturally-led experiences including yabby cooking, yidaki making, and on-Country learning.

"All of my tours have culture attached to them, from native fish, breeding, growing, catching methods – traditionally, culturally and recreationally. It is important to share these ways and stories to keep culture strong, and people are able to see something a little bit different," he said.

Mr Cunningham's dedicated efforts to cultural tourism have also been recognised by Destination NSW.

"Destination NSW has been working very closely with the Narrabri Fish Farm due to some tourism funding that they granted us. I have undertaken further training with them to assist the Fish Farm in being a go-to place when visiting the area, he said.

Reflecting on this year's NAIDOC theme, Mr Cunningham spoke on his connection to Country and community.

"What gives me strength is mostly where I come from, the land, the water, the fish, the old ways and the stories following through everything I do," he said.

"I am inspired every day by my Elders and my community, and the young ones that come behind us, they remind me why I keep pushing forward.

"To me, it means standing proud in who we are, using the strength of our culture and community to guide the next generation. It's just about having a clear vision for our future where our kids can walk strong."

For young mob across the country, his message is heartfelt.

"Be strong, don't forget where you come from, take a step back and see what's in front of you, your culture is powerful, your voice matters, and you carry the strength of your ancestors in your blood, get out on country, learn the old ways and explore with your Elders," he said.

Narrabri Fish Farm is not only a passion project but a living celebration of First Nations' culture, shining a spotlight on culturally driven excellence.

From Mr Cunningham's words, it becomes clear his success has been underpinned by his connection to Country and community, epitomising the essence of NAIDOC.