More than two dozen students, staff and community members have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to Aboriginal education in NSW public schools at the 18th annual Nanga Mai Awards.

The academically successful students, talented performing artists and outstanding sportspeople were recognised alongside dedicated teachers, community leaders and schools at a gala awards ceremony at Darling Harbour on Monday 27 November.

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

“Today is a wonderful day as we celebrate academic excellence in our Aboriginal learners, leaders and educators,” Ms Car said.

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

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the Nanga Mai Awards recognised students, staff and community members demonstrating excellence across all areas of education, from academic achievement, performing arts and public speaking, through to sport and leadership.

He said there had been an outstanding number of nominations for the 2023 awards.

“From talented young scholars, dancers and athletes to staff who work tirelessly for their schools and communities, I commend the leadership, creativity and excellence demonstrated by our 2023 Nanga Mai Award winners,” Mr Dizdar said.

“These awards continue to show that strong community partnerships, dedicated staff and targeted, culturally appropriate programs are integral to the success and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in NSW public schools.”

The 18th annual Nanga Mai Awards are supported by: Hicksons Lawyers, University of NSW, Teachers Health, Learning Links, TOMRA Cleanaway, Bendelta, Australian National Maritime Museum, Ethika Group, Holding Redlich, CQUniversity Australia.

2023 Nanga Mai Award winners

• AOPD Outstanding All Round Student - Callum Abela, Narrellan Public School
• AOPD Outstanding All Round Student - Zali Reynolds, Northlakes High School
• Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking - Eden Lowrie Jones, Narrabeen Lakes Primary School
• Outstanding Student Leadership - Tygah Green, Kotara South Public School
• Outstanding Student Leadership - Ryan Wood and Ashlee Dawson, West Wallsend High School
• Outstanding Academic Excellence - Spencer Locke, Corindi Public School
• Outstanding Academic Excellence - Zach Pacey, Macksville High School
• Outstanding Achievement in Sport - Peytyn Donovan, Wauchope Public School
• Outstanding Achievement in Sport - Abbie McTeare, Gorokan High School
• Outstanding Achievement in Performing/Creative/Visual Art - Maise Monaghan and Lennox Monaghan, Grafton Public School
• Outstanding Achievement in Performing/Creative/Visual Art - Ivy Simpson, Kooringal High School
• NSW DoE Outstanding SBAT of the Year - Aaliyah Morley, Peel High School
• Highest Achieving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Student in the 2022 HSC - Rebecca Louise Hoffman, Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus
• Award for Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Staff Member - Gordon Mitchell, Wilcannia Central School
• Award for Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Staff Member - Kirsty Adams, Tharawal Public School
• Award for Outstanding Leadership in Aboriginal Education - Kim Witt, Toronto Public School
• Award for Outstanding Leadership in Aboriginal Languages - Adrian Harrington, Goonellabah Public School
• Outstanding Contribution to Early Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Staff Member - Margaret Pengelly, Parkview Public School
• Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education Achievement by an Aboriginal Community Member - Lexie Carroll, Sarah Redfern Public School
• Award for Outstanding School and Community Partnership - Narromine High School
• Award for Outstanding Commitment to Increasing Knowledge and Understanding of Aboriginal Histories, Culture and Experiences of Aboriginal People - Briar Road Public School
• Outstanding Early Education and Care Service - Dalaigur Pre-School and Children's Services
• Kimberwalli Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Education - Steve Trist
• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by a Non-School Based Staff Member - Luke Allen
• NSW Connected Communities Excellence Award - Daryl Currie
• NSW Department of Education AOPD Award - Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships Directorate