Narragunnawali Awards Archives - Reconciliation Australia

Narragunnawali Awards 2025 Winners

Ben Taylor — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:40:06 +0000

Reconciliation Australia is proud to announce the winners of the fifth Narragunnawali Awards; the only national awards that recognise and celebrate Australian schools and early learning services that are implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives.

Schools category winner: Briar Road Public School, Dharawal Country, Airds NSW

Chair of the awards judging panel and Reconciliation Australia Board Director, Sharon Davis said it was clear to the judges that Briar Road Public School has built a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are thriving, and where Pacifica, Māori, and non-Indigenous students and families are also included and uplifted.

‘Students, staff, and families describe the school as a place where reconciliation is both expected and celebrated, and community ownership of the journey is evident,’ they said.

“While it embeds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives in its work, it also ensures that non-Indigenous staff take on the heavy lifting of the ongoing work of reconciliation in education.’

The judges also highly commended Karuah Public School on the Mid North Coast of NSW for its work.

‘Karuah Public School situated itself on the front line of truth-telling about its past exclusion of Aboriginal students.

‘Their five-year journey of reconciliation has involved consistent dialogue, vulnerability, and respect which has transformed a once-divided community into a more connected and hopeful one,’ Sharon Davis said.

Early Learning category winner: Evans Head-Woodburn Preschool, Bandjalang Country, Northern NSW

The judging panel said Evans Head-Woodburn Preschool demonstrated an exceptional, long-standing commitment to reconciliation.

“Guided by Bandjalang Elders and Traditional Owners, the team works hand in hand with families to make learning a space of respect, truth-telling and belonging.

‘Their service is more than inclusive, it is led by and with the local community, making reconciliation central to their identity and practice.’

Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine congratulated the winners and finalists in this year’s awards and said she was uplifted by the outstanding reconciliation work in schools and early learning services across the country.

‘This year we saw stories of reconciliation in action in schools and early learning services − reconciliation that is not symbolic or seasonal but systemic and embedded into governance, the curriculum, staffing, culture and community relationships.

‘Stories of exceptional educators, engaged families, and of dedicated Elders and First Nations community members who have developed relationships with schools and early learning services so that children may learn from them and be richer for it.’

Reconciliation Australia also acknowledges the hard work and commitment of the other finalists in both categories: Bannister Creek Primary School, Perth, Goodstart Shailer Park, Logan City Qld, and Tillys Play and Development Centre − Rutherford, Maitland, NSW.

The full playlist of all six finalists’ films, captured by Indigenous production company Wirrim Media, can be viewed here.

The awards were presented on Thursday 6 November at a ceremony at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Canberra.

The evening ceremony followed a day-long national forum which brought together First Nations and non-First Nations educational leaders and professionals to critically examine current reconciliation efforts within the Australian education sector.

The Narragunnawali Awards have been held every two years since 2017. Reconciliation Australia thanks Telstra and Teachers Health Group whose generous support has made the 2025 awards possible, and the BHP Foundation for their longstanding support for the Narragunnawali program.

Narragunnawali is a Reconciliation Australia program which provides tools and resources for schools and early learning services to take action towards reconciliation between First Nations peoples and other Australians.

There are more than 14,000 Australian schools and early learning services engaged with Narragunnawali.

Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from the language of the Ngunnawal people meaning alive, wellbeing, coming together and peace, and is used with permission of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council.

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Narragunnawali Awards 2025 finalists announced

Faiza Ways — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:00:18 +0000

The finalist schools and early learning services have been recognised for implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives that work to advance reconciliation in education.

Six Australian schools and early learning services that are implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives have been selected as finalists for the Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education Awards 2025.

The award finalists in the two categories are:

Schools

Bannister Creek Primary School, WA

Briar Road Public School, NSW

Karuah Public School, NSW

Early Learning

Evans Head – Woodburn Preschool, NSW

Goodstart Shailer Park, QLD

Tillys Play and Development Centre – Rutherford, NSW

The finalists were selected by a judging panel of eminent First Nations educationalists: Mx Sharon Davis, Professor Grace Sarra, and Professor Joe Sambono.

The judging panel acknowledged the finalists for their commitments to building strong and respectful relationships with local First Nations Elders and communities, developing a respectful understanding of First Nations’ cultures and histories, and engaging in truth-telling within their educational communities.

Chair of the judging panel and Reconciliation Australia Board Director, Sharon Davis, said education is a powerful tool for building a better society.

‘Narragunnawali gives educators a way in. It supports them to bring First Nations cultures, languages and histories into their classrooms and early learning services with care and respect. When educators approach the work with self-reflection and a willingness to learn, and when relationships with community are at the centre, schools and services start to feel safer and more welcoming for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families,’ said Davis.

‘Each year I judge these awards, I’m heartened by the growing groundswell of schools and early learning services that are walking the talk – not just knowing better but doing better.

‘There is a deep hunger for justice in our communities, and when it comes to education, we cannot carry that work alone. Most educators in Australia are non-Indigenous, and that makes their role in reconciliation essential. Narragunnawali helps educators embed reconciliation into everyday practice, and take up that responsibility with care, commitment and courage,’ they said.

Davis said the Narragunnawali Awards are an important showcase of the schools and early learning services doing the work of reconciliation and the positive outcomes and benefits that accrue to their communities.

About the Narragunnawali Awards

Held every two years since 2017, the Narragunnawali Awards are Australia’s first and only national awards program that recognises and celebrates educational environments implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives – across the government, Catholic and independent sectors.

Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education program provides tools and resources for schools and early learning services to act towards reconciliation between non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The judging panel will conduct site visits to all finalists in July and August with the winners announced at the awards presentation night in November.

The winners of each category of the Narragunnawali Awards 2025 will receive $10,000 in prize money to support reconciliation initiatives within the winning school or early learning service community.

Awards supporters

Reconciliation Australia welcomes Telstra and Teachers Health as the sponsors for the Narragunnawali Awards 2025.

Telstra is sponsoring the Early Learning Category and Teachers Health is sponsoring the Schools Category.

Lauren Ganley, Telstra’s Chief First Nations Advocate, said, ‘We’re honoured to sponsor the 2025 Narragunnawali Awards and celebrate the incredible work educators are doing to lead reconciliation in Australia. By supporting the younger generation to be the change we want to see, we’re hoping to shape a future where reconciliation is understood and lived from the very beginning.’

Brad Joyce, CEO and RAP Champion of the Teachers Health Group said, ‘As we continue on our Innovate RAP journey, we understand the importance and value of the Narragunnawali program and we’re proud to sponsor the 2025 Awards, recognising and championing schools that are walking the path of reconciliation with purpose and heart.’

Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from the language of the Ngunnawal people, Traditional Owners of the Canberra region.

 Narragunnawali means alive, wellbeing, coming together and peace, and is used with permission of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council.

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Narragunnawali Awards 2025 applications open now

Ben Taylor — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 23:44:14 +0000

Reconciliation Australia is proud to launch the fifth Narragunnawali Awards recognising outstanding commitment to reconciliation in education.

The awards, held every two years since 2017, are Australia’s first and only national awards to recognise and celebrate schools and early learning services that are demonstrating dedication and commitment to implementing reconciliation initiatives.

Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine said schools and early learning services are at the forefront of reconciliation.

‘Our Narragunnawali partner schools and early learning services are working hard to ensure First Nations languages, histories, and cultures are included in general learning thereby creating learning environments which both uplift the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and give a more well-rounded education for all children,’ she said.

‘The 2023 winners, Perth’s Winterfold Primary School and Adelaide’s Stirling District Kindergarten demonstrated the tangible ways schools and early learning services are strengthening relationships, building respect, and providing meaningful opportunities in the classroom, around the school or service, and with the community.

‘These are just two examples of how teachers and their school communities are achieving great results with little resources except a determination to create better learning environments for their students,’ Mundine said.

Chair of the Narragunnawali judging panel, Reconciliation Australia Director and educationalist, Mx Sharon Davis said the 2023 winners were prime examples of the changes occurring in the Australian educational sector.

‘Across the country, schools and early learning centres are fostering strong relationships with local First Nations communities and committing to creating learning environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children feel proud, respected, and reflected,’ Davis said.

‘We are seeing more and more schools take a firm stand against racism, ensuring that First Nations children are safe and valued in educational spaces. This kind of commitment leads to increased attendance and engagement for First Nations students and ensures all learners benefit from a more truthful and inclusive education.

‘These education partners are vital to advancing education justice — where First Nations perspectives are embedded in everyday learning, and all students gain a richer understanding of the world around them.’

Nominations and applications for the Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education Awards 2025 are now open.  Applications close Friday 2 May 2025.

Awards categories

Schools: including primary, secondary, senior secondary and combined schools within the Government, Independent or Catholic sectors.

Early Learning: including early childhood education and care, preschool, family day care and out of school hours care services.

Cash prizes of $10,000 as well as media and special engagement and networking opportunities are on offer to the winning school and early learning service judged to display outstanding commitment to reconciliation.

Judging panel

This year’s panel of judges comprises Mx Sharon Davis, Professor Joe Sambono, and Professor Grace Sarra. The awards patrons are Professor Peter Buckskin and Aunty Geraldine Atkinson.

About Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education

Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education is a program of Reconciliation Australia, which supports schools and early learning services in Australia to develop environments that actively engage the hearts and minds of future generations in the reconciliation process.

Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from the language of the Ngunnawal people, Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waterways of the Canberra region.

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Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Education Awards Winners

Liz Willis — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 01:11:06 +0000

The Narragunnawali Awards celebrate educators and community members doing the hard work, learning and unlearning, and creating lasting relationships.

Reconciliation Australia is proud to announce the winners of the fourth Narragunnawali Awards; the national awards that recognise and celebrate Australian schools and early learning services that are implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives.

Schools category winner: Winterfold Primary School, on Noongar Country, Beaconsfield, Western Australia.

Chair of the awards judging panel and Reconciliation Australia Board Director, Sharon Davis said the school inspired the judges with its strong connections to its local Noongar community and a vigilant policy of anti-racism.

“Winterfold’s principal told the judges that reconciliation and anti-racism was at the core of the school’s culture and curriculum, and this was obvious to us all when we visited the school,” they said

“The use of Noongar language and the school’s clearly warm and supportive relationship with Noongar Elders, parents and kids was wonderful to witness.”

Early Learning category winner: Stirling District Kindergarten on Kaurna Country, Stirling, South Australia.

Sharon Davis said the staff at Stirling were passionate about reconciliation and respectful to members of the local Kaurna communities.

“The use of the local Kaurna language and Stirling’s engagement with Kaurna Elder, Uncle Tamaru – who teaches the children Kaurna language, and knowledge about ceremony, culture, plants, and animals – is a great credit to the service and the families it serves,” they said.

“Over the history of the awards and in my time working with the Narragunnawali program, I have witnessed incredible stories of schools and early learning services putting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, cultures and communities at the heart of their institutions.

“Like so much else, often teachers and educators have achieved this with little in the way of resources and time.”

Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine said she was heartened by the outstanding reconciliation work going on in schools and early learning services across the country.

“After the disappointment of the referendum result it is wonderful to witness the profound contribution that these places are making towards a more just and reconciled Australia,” she said.

“There is still so much work to be done to enable a greater understanding of our history and the legacy of colonialism which still haunts so many First Nations people.

“I can see these changes happening in our education system. Young Australians are opening their hearts and gaining the skills to effectively contribute to reconciliation.

“This is why events like the Narragunnawali Awards are so important. It is about celebrating educators and community members out there, doing the hard work, learning and unlearning, and creating lasting relationships.”

Reconciliation Australia also congratulates the other finalists in both categories:

Kwoorabup Nature School – Noongar Country, Denmark, WA
Kellyville Public School – Darug Country, Kellyville, NSW
Wyong Preschool Kindergarten – Darkinjung Country, Wyong, NSW
Little Beacons Learning Centre – Wurundjeri and Bunurong-Boon Wurrung Country in Pakenham, Victoria

The awards were presented on Friday 24 November at a ceremony at the National Museum of Australia. The evening ceremony followed a forum investigating the past, present and future of reconciliation in education.

Watch compilation reels featuring all finalists for both the schools and early learning categories and view all videos from the Narragunnawali Awards 2023 here.

Video compilations

Schools

Early Learning

There are more than 10,000 Australian schools and early learning services engaged with the Narragunnawali program.

Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from the language of the Ngunnawal people, Traditional Owners of the land on which Reconciliation Australia’s Canberra office is located.

Narragunnawali means alive, wellbeing, coming together and peace, and is used with permission of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council.

The post Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Education Awards Winners appeared first on Reconciliation Australia.

Education and Reconciliation after the Referendum

Liz Willis — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:23:23 +0000

The vital role of education in building a reconciled Australia is being recognised and celebrated by Reconciliation Australia.

The Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education Awards, and a national forum on reconciliation and education will round off a year when the need for greater knowledge, understanding and education about the truth of our country has been starkly highlighted.

Narragunnawali Awards

The awards, held every two years, bring together Australian schools and early learning services chosen for their outstanding dedication to reconciliation.

Reconciliation Australia director and chair of the awards panel, Sharon Davis said, “the impact of the initiatives demonstrated by these finalists cannot be overestimated on the broader Australian society. These schools and services present a brighter future for our students and the country.”

Finalists were selected from 100 applicant schools and services throughout Australia; the winners will be announced at an evening ceremony on Friday 24 November.

Schools category finalists

Kellyville Public School Darug Country, KELLYVILLE, NSW
Kwoorabup Nature School Noongar Country, DENMARK, WA
Winterfold Primary School Noongar Country, BEACONSFIELD, WA

Early Learning category finalists

Little Beacons Learning Centre Wurundjeri and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country, PAKENHAM, VIC
Stirling District Kindergarten Kaurna Country, STIRLING, SA
Wyong Preschool Kindergarten Darkinjung Country, WYONG, NSW

Reconciliation and Education Forum

The day-long forum on Friday 24 November – Reconciliation and education: Past-Present-Future – will bring together Australia’s leading experts in the teaching of First Nations histories and cultures before the awards ceremony.

This is at a crucial time as the updated Australian curriculum, emphasising truth-telling and the teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, is being adopted.

Co-hosted by Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali education program and the University of Melbourne’s Ngarrngga project, speakers include Professor Marcia Langton AO, Professor Tom Calma AO, Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, Associate Professor Melitta Hogarth, and Hayley McQuire.

Ngarrngga Project director, Melitta Hogarth, said education plays a key role in shaping future Australian citizens so the opportunity to learn shared histories is critically important.

“It allows for non-Indigenous peoples in Australia to understand this history and the reasons why there is a disconnect within Australian society,” she said.

“The new curriculum, if implemented with proper resources and teacher training, will promote reconciliation and improved relationships between the very diverse cultural groups within Australian society.”

About Narragunnawali and Ngarrngga

Narragunnawaliis a Reconciliation Australia program which provides tools and resources for schools and early learning services to take action towards reconciliation between First Nations Peoples and other Australians. There are more than 10,000 Australian schools and early learning services registered to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) through the program.

Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from the language of the Ngunnawal people, Traditional Owners of the land on which Reconciliation Australia’s Canberra office is located. It means alive, wellbeing, coming together and peace, and is used with the permission of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council.

Ngarrngga creates innovative curriculum resources for educators and masterclass-style professional development targeting teachers, principals, and pre-service teachers, spanning all subjects from early childhood to Year 12.

The Ngarrngga vision is for all Australian students to have the opportunity to deeply connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, histories and cultures.

Ngarrngga is a Taungurung word meaning to know, to hear, to understand.

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Narragunnawali Awards 2023 finalists

Faiza Ways — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:07:54 +0000

Australian schools and early learning services with a passion for reconciliation in education have been selected as finalists for the Narragunnawali Awards 2023.

Held every two years since 2017, the Narragunnawali Awards celebrate outstanding commitments to reconciliation in education.

A part of Reconciliation Australia, the Narragunnawali program supports all schools and early learning services in Australia to champion reconciliation and foster a high level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions.

Finalists were selected by a judging panel of eminent First Nations educationalists: Sharon Davis, Geraldine Atkinson, and Joe Sambono.

The panel recently met last week to assess the shortlisted applications and applauded the level of commitment to reconciliation in education from schools and services across the country.

The judges were impressed by the finalists’ use of local Aboriginal languages, their embedding of reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures into the curriculum and their strong relationships with local Elders and communities.

Chair of the panel Sharon Davis said they appreciated the finalists’ efforts to address anti-racism in their settings and to build strong and respectful relationships with their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Schools and early learning servicesare increasingly becoming places that are welcoming for First Nations students and families as education gets serious about reconciliation.

“The impact of the initiatives demonstrated by these finalists cannot be overestimated on the broader Australian society. These schools and services present a brighter future for our students and the country,” Davis said.

“The Narragunnawali program is a catalyst for change; for a better and fairer Australia.”

Finalists in the Schools category:

Winterfold Primary School – Noongar Country, BEACONSFIELD, WA
Kwoorabup Nature School – Noongar Country, DENMARK, WA
Kellyville Public School – Darug Country, KELLYVILLE, NSW

Finalists in the Early Learning category:

Stirling District Kindergarten – Kaurna Country,STIRLING, SA
Wyong Preschool Kindergarten – Darkinjung Country,WYONG, NSW
Little Beacons Learning Centre – Wurundjeri and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country, PAKENHAM, VIC

The judges also commended the following schools:

Lismore High School, Wijabal Wyabal Country,NSW
Melbourne Indigenous Transition School, Wurundjeri Country,VIC
Hawthorndene Primary School, Kaurna Country,SA
Goodstart Shailer Park, Jagera and Yugambeh Country,QLD
Kinda-Mindi Early Learning Centre Claymore, Dharawal Country – NSW
MacGregor Outside School Hours Care, Turrbal and Jagera Country, QLD

The judging panel will now visit each finalist to determine the winners in each category.

The Awards ceremony and a reconciliation in education forum will take place on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra at the National Museum of Australia on Friday 24 November.

Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from the language of the Ngunnawal people, Traditional Owners of the land on which Reconciliation Australia’s Canberra office is located.

Narragunnawali means alive, wellbeing, coming together and peace, and is used with permission of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council.

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If you’ve got knowledge your ears and eyes grow

Alex Bleasdale — Wed, 17 May 2023 04:38:06 +0000

‘I went camping, Uncle Pat!’ Children at Tumut Community Preschool are thriving with the inclusion of Uncle Pat Connolly’s wisdom in their learning.

As Uncle Pat pulls up to the fence a flood of children run to greet him.

“Uncle Pat, Uncle Pat,” they shout, all determined to tell him their news. “I scratched my leg, Uncle Pat,” “I went camping, Uncle Pat,” “I stayed at my Nan’s last night Uncle Pat!”.

Uncle Pat Connolly, Wiradjuri/Yuin/Ngunnawal man and Elder-in-Residence at the remarkable Tumut Community Preschool reaches down to pat a head or grab a hand pushed through the fence. He patiently listens to all the little-people-yarns they share with him, smiling broadly the whole time.

The Wiradjuri Elder is on one of his frequent visits to this early education centre where he teaches the youngsters about his culture and his Wiradjuri language. His relationship with the children and their teachers has been developed alongside the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). A plan which was fundamental in developing the centre’s application for the Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Education Awards 2021, of which they were joint winners in the early learning category.

Wiradjuri/Yuin/Ngunnawal man Uncle Pat Connolly is Elder-in-Residence at the Tumut Community Preschool, where he shares his knowledge and culture with the children, and by extension, their community. Photo: Al Harris

Uncle Pat’s own educational experience was vastly different from his young fans. His parents and his eleven siblings were constantly on the move to escape child welfare attempts to steal Aboriginal children as part of the overt assimilationist policies of the time.

He left school at 14 because, as he puts it, “Some of the white people didn’t want their kids going to school with the Black kids”. So Aboriginal children were encouraged to leave school early and join their families picking fruit and veggies for local farmers.

Speaking his own Wiradjuri language was a punishable offence and he remembers adults speaking the language in low tones, afraid that if they were caught by the mission authorities, serious punishment would result. “Our Uncles and Aunties knew that if they were caught speaking language; teaching the kids language, they would come and take the kids away.”

“We knew a few words, everyone did, but if you were caught speaking it at school, they had this big, whippy cane….”

Today when he visits the preschool he is often welcomed in his own language by the children.

“It makes me feel tremendous. They tried us to stop the language, we couldn’t even practice our own culture, it was all stopped. But now we’re getting it all back.”

The above is an excerpt from Reconciliation News – May 2023.

Read the full article online in the latest edition of Reconciliation News.

Tumut Preschool were joint winners in the Early Learning category of the Narragunnawali Awards.

This year marks the fourth Narragunnawali Awards, recognising outstanding commitment to reconciliation in education. To learn more about the Awards visit: narragunnawali.org.au/awards

This edition of Reconciliation News is all about the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice. Download the PDF or read the full edition online.

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