Narrandera education officers win Nanga Mai awards

Four Riverina recipients have been recognised for their contributions to Aboriginal education at the 21st annual Nanga Mai Awards, celebrating excellence across NSW. Winners from Narrandera, Uranquinty, Kooringal and Griffith were among 26 recipients recognised across 19 categories at the awards ceremony on Wednesday 4 November at the NSW Department of Education’s Parramatta office. Narrandera Public School Aboriginal Education Officers Richard Gilbert and Simone Ingram received the Outstanding School and Community Partnership Award for their work strengthening cultural knowledge and building genuine partnerships with Aboriginal students, families and the wider community. Together, Richard and Simone established an Aboriginal Learning and Cultural Centre, creating a culturally safe and welcoming space for students, families and community. Their work has helped maintain Aboriginal student attendance above 75 per cent for three years, alongside initiatives including language and cultural programs, on-Country experiences and NAIDOC celebrations. Aunty Gail Manderson from Uranquinty Public School received the Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Community Member Award for her six years of dedication to sharing Wiradjuri language, culture and heritage with students. Through weekly visits, Aunty Gail brings cultural learning to life through crafts, weaving, puppetry and traditional games. Her contribution also includes helping establish a yarning circle, collaborating on a cultural mural and supporting the celebration of significant cultural days. Kooringal High School Year 12 student Lachlan Miles received the NSW DoE VET in Schools Student of the Year Award for his outstanding commitment to vocational education, leadership and community service. A proud Wiradjuri young man, Lachlan’s dedication to VET Construction was recognised with the 2025 VET Construction Course Prize. He has successfully balanced his vocational studies with his responsibilities as School Captain, sporting commitments and community service, and is the first Clontarf student to be elected School Captain at Kooringal High School. Griffith High School’s Aboriginal Education Committee received the Outstanding Commitment to Increasing Knowledge and Understanding of Aboriginal Histories, Culture and Experiences of Aboriginal Peoples Award for their work embedding First Nations history, culture and knowledge across school life. For six years, the committee has worked alongside students, families, staff, Elders and the Aboriginal community to strengthen cultural understanding. Initiatives include adopting Yindyamarra, a Wiradjuri word meaning respect, as the school’s motto, establishing a Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and embedding First Nations knowledge across learning areas. This year’s ceremony also honoured pillars of Aboriginal education in NSW, including the late Darren Bell, a proud Ngunnawal man and founding force behind the Nanga Mai Awards, who dedicated more than 25 years to public education in the state Awards were also presented to Uncle Vic Chapman, a Yuwaalaraay Elder and one of the state’s first Aboriginal principals, and Merv Donovan, a Gumbaynggirr man from Bowraville, with almost five decades of service to Aboriginal education and community. The 2026 Nanga Mai Awards attracted almost 600 nominations from across NSW. The award submissions were reviewed by 10 regional panels before finalists were determined by the state panel. Educators and students were recognised for their contribution to early childhood education, as well as vocational education and training. Award winners included students who have represented NSW nationally and internationally in various sports, including at the Oceania Games, and public speakers who have competed at regional, state, national and international levels. Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Prue Car, congratulated all the students, teachers and community members who were honoured at the awards. “The Nanga Mai Awards recognise the many students, teachers, and community members who, through their commitment to excellence, have contributed to advancing Aboriginal education in NSW,” she said. Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said the awards honour students who are balancing their senior studies alongside VET courses or School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeships. “It reflets a strong commitment not only to personal growth and career readiness but also to building brighter futures for our communities,” he said. NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar PSM, said “the Nanga Mai Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Aboriginal students and staff across our public education system.” “Each award recipient represents not only individual talent, determination and excellence, but also the strength of the families, communities and educators who walk alongside them, nurture their aspirations and help create the opportunities for them to thrive,” he said. The 21st Annual Nanga Mai Awards are proudly supported by Hicksons Hunt and Hunt, Teachers Health, Matrix CNI, Bendelta, TOMRA Cleanaway, HP, Learning Links, Australian National Maritime Museum, IntraSpace and Aboriginal Education Council.

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