More than a dozen public school students from across NSW have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to Aboriginal education at the 19th annual Nanga Mai Awards in Parramatta today.

Fourteen students were recognised for their outstanding results in diverse areas, as confident public speakers, talented performing artists and high achieving sportspeople.

They were joined by 10 dedicated teachers, community leaders and/or schools to receive an award.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said NSW public schools worked to enhance and elevate Aboriginal culture and identity through education.

“Today we celebrate educational excellence in our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learners, leaders and educators,” Ms Car said.

“I want to send a big congratulations to all the hardworking students, teachers, school and community leaders being honoured at the Nanga Mai Awards.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the quality of the nominations for the 2024 awards had been outstanding.

“Congratulations to all our award winners. These awards recognise students, staff and community members who demonstrate excellence across all areas of Aboriginal education, from academic achievement, performing arts and public speaking, through to sport and leadership,” he said.

“Improving outcomes for Aboriginal students is crucial to building the equitable and outstanding public education system we strive for under the Plan for NSW Public education.

“Key to that is providing culturally responsive educational opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and colleagues to enable them to thrive.”

2024 Nanga Mai Award winners

• AEC Outstanding all-rounder student Award (Primary), Manaia Kemble-Withell, La Perouse Public School

• AEC Outstanding all-rounder student Award (Secondary), Tahlia Gilbert, Narrandera High School
  

• Outstanding Leadership in Aboriginal Education, Beris Duroux, Grafton Education Office

• Outstanding Contribution to Early Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Staff Member, Aunty Mary Chatfield, Oorunga Wandarrah MACS, Airds Campbelltown
  

• Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking (Primary), Nevaeh Soper, Aldavilla Public School

• Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking (Secondary), Sophia-Rose Markham, Armidale Secondary College
  

• Outstanding Student Leadership Award (Primary), Emiliah Smith, Curran Public School

• Outstanding Student Leadership Award (Secondary), Katelyn O'Neill, Trangie Central School
  

• Outstanding Academic Excellence Award (Primary), Jax McGivern-Picken, Bomaderry Public School

• Outstanding Academic Excellence Award (Secondary), Matthew Phillips, Elderslie High School
  

• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Staff Member, Lee Moran, Koonawarra Public School

• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by a Non-Aboriginal Staff Member, Brent Waters, Kincumber High School
  

• Outstanding Achievement in Performing/Creative/Visual Arts Award (Primary), Gabby Mobbs, Macksville Public School

• Outstanding Achievement in Performing/Creative/Visual Arts Award (Secondary), Aurielle Smith, Newtown High School of Performing Arts
  

• Outstanding Achievement in Sport (Primary), Ryder Grierson, Brookvale Public School

• Outstanding Achievement in Sport (Secondary), Tallara Joseph-Riogi, Canterbury Girls High School
  

• NSW DoE Outstanding School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, Hollie Newberry, Coonamble High School

• NSW DoE Outstanding VET Student of the year Award, Cordell Scott, Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus
  

• Outstanding Early Education and Care Service, Namina Community Pre School Association Inc, Namina Pre School, Wellington

• Outstanding School and Community Partnership, Curran Public School, Curran Public School
  

• Outstanding Leadership in Aboriginal Languages, Bronwyn Hardie-Grant, Kingswood South Public School

• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Community Member, Aunty Lindy Lawler, Oak Flats High School/Balarang Public School
  

• Outstanding Commitment to Increasing Knowledge and Understanding of Aboriginal Histories, culture and experiences of Aboriginal people, Birrelee MACS Service, Birrelee MACS Service

• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by a Non-School Based Staff Member, Brooke Ferguson, Aboriginal Education and Communities Directorate – Dubbo
  

The 19th annual Nanga Mai Awards are supported by: Hicksons Lawyers, Teachers Health, Matrix CNI, University of NSW, Australian National Maritime Museum, Bendelta, Engineering Ingenuity Pty Ltd, HP, Learning Links, TOMRA Cleanaway, Virtus Heritage and Powerhouse Museum.