More than 2600 years of combined service in the NSW public education system was recognised when 53 teachers and staff were honoured for their dedication to the profession at the third NSW Department of Education Service Recognition Dinner. 

The function at NSW Parliament House shone a light on some of the most committed and hard-working education staff in the state, with all those recognised having served a minimum 50 years working with our schools.

There were stories aplenty as teachers, school administrators and support staff were among those honoured with Premier Chris Minns, Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar there to mark the occasion.

It was a night with extra resonance for Ms Houssos and Mr Dizdar who both had former teachers recognised.

After inspiring students as a young History and English teacher at Maitland Girls High School in the mid-1970s, Veronica Amato moved to Forster High School where she would go on to mentor Ms Houssos.

Similarly, Marie Johanson taught Mr Dizdar in his formative years at Fort Street High School, remembering as a feisty and diligent student who would always put forward a case for extra marks.

“I became a teacher because I wanted to be just like Marie who was and still is exceptionally compassionate, caring, engaging and believes in the mantra that all students can grow and achieve,” Mr Dizdar said.

Ms Johanson is now at Mosman High School, and she was joined by her principal Dr Susan Wyatt, who has also racked up a half century in education.

For Kingscliff High School’s Alwyn Race, 50 years is almost rookie territory.

Incredibly, Mr Race has been working in NSW public schools since 1954 when he started as a cleaner at Murwillumbah, Tweed River, and Tumbulgum.

He is still working as a groundsman at Tumbulgum Public School and Kingscliff High School with typical efficiency, good humour and a willingness to help.

“People say, ‘why are you still working’. What are you going to do, sit at home and what TV,” Mr Race said.

“I love it. It keeps me fit.” 

Mark Mathiesen came to Sydney from Chicago in 1974 as part of a targeted overseas recruitment initiative.

He started at Sylvania High School before eventually making his way down the coast to Corrimal High School in 1991 where he’d stay until 2019 before returning as a casual.

“I thought I’d have two years, and they’d send me back,” he said with a laugh.

“But I fell in love with it.

“The exceptional thing in my life has been the children that I’ve met and the success that I have seen.”

2025 Service Recognition recipients

Anne Elizabeth Harrison

Anthony Pigott

Beverley June Sweeney

Caroline Robson

Christine Hunter OAM

Christine Louise Gudgeon

Denise Francis Walker

Diane Carolyn Hall

Dr Kimberley Alan Jaggar

Dr Susan Wyatt

Elizabeth Ann Lessells

Evelyn Ruth Henrietta Mark

Frances Brewer

Geoffrey James

George Stamell

Glen Bennett

Harry Kolatchew

Heather Ann McGinty

Helen Rea

Jack Zawerucha

Janice Cuke

Janne Thompson

Jeanette Detheridge

Jeffrey Conroy

Jeffrey John smith

Karen Anne Plocki

Karen Robin McDonald

Katrina Burne

Lorraine Scott

Lynne Kerry

Margaret McLelland

Margaret (Lil) South

Marie Johanson

Mark Mathiesen

Maureen Wrigglesworth

Michael John Pett

Narelle Vazquez

Pamela Chamberlin

Raymond Charles Fearn

Robert (Bob) McClung

Ron Bradford

Sandra Callcott

Sandra Ellen Tuck

Stephen John Britt

Susan Gardiner

Susanne Mary Towner

Suzan Heavener

Suzanne Bennett

Thomas Peter Murphy

Vivienne Joy Bolam

Warrick William Smith

William Jeffrey Ballinger