Current and former NSW Department of Education staff are strongly represented in today’s Australia Day honours list with former Department Secretary Dr Michele Bruniges being made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to public administration, to education policy and teaching practice, and to addressing educational disadvantage.

Dr Bruniges, who grew up in Tumut, has spent her entire career in the field of education. Her early career spanned teaching in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

She was Secretary, NSW Department of Education and Communities from 2011 to 2016 and Secretary, Department of Education, Skills and Employment from 2016 to 2023.

In addition to those government roles, Dr Bruniges has chaired several prominent educational groups.

NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group treasurer and long-serving vice-president Anne Dennis, a Walgett community leader, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to the State’s Aboriginal community.

Three current Department of Education staff members were also awarded a Public Service Medal:

• Burwood Girls High School principal since 2002, Mia Kumar;
• Director of Child Wellbeing and Mental Health Services, Anne Reddie; and
• Principal Legal Officer, Margaret Baker.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar congratulated recipients across all education sectors who were honoured, but paid tribute to those who had spent their years working in the public system.

“Across the State the awards not only recognise the commitment of our teachers to their profession, it also highlights the important role they play as pillars of their communities,” he said.

“Michele Bruniges’ distinguished service to public administration and public education has had a lasting impact on students, teachers and communities across the country and NSW in particular.

“Her outstanding leadership in education policy, teaching and leadership practice and her unwavering focus on addressing educational disadvantage have strengthened our system and expanded opportunity for countless young people.

“Anne Dennis’ significant service to the Aboriginal community of NSW reflects a deep commitment to respect, partnership and lasting change. Her work has strengthened community voices and contributed to better outcomes grounded in culture, dignity and opportunity.”

Visionary

Mia Kumar’s nomination said she exemplified what it meant to be an exceptional leader who consistently went beyond all expectations to enhance and improve both student achievement and staff development at Burwood Girls High School.

Mr Dizdar said Mia Kumar’s Australia Day Honour recognised more than two decades of exceptional leadership at Burwood Girls High School and a lifetime of service to public education in NSW.

“Since 2002, she has led with clarity, compassion and high expectations, creating a school culture where young women are empowered to excel academically and contribute confidently to their communities.

“Under her leadership, Burwood Girls has consistently performed above state averages in NAPLAN and the HSC.

“Her impact is felt not only by her students, but across the public education system.”

Mia Kumar said she was "pleased to see public education recognised in these awards”.

“This award recognises my strong advocacy for outstanding public education and my belief in providing opportunities for young people to explore and achieve their potential," she said in response to the honour.

Groundbreaking

Anne Reddie’s public service career began in 1990 as a school counsellor.

Since then, she has held a wide range of roles within the Department including senior psychologist, school executive principal and Director of School Services.

"I feel very humbled- I am very fortunate to lead a fantastic team who work incredibly hard to support schools and their communities - I share this with them,” Ms Reddie said in response to her award.

Mr Dizdar said Ms Reddie’s leadership and strategic vision had transformed approaches to student wellbeing across more than 2000 schools, impacting thousands of students and families.

“Anne Reddie’s outstanding public service has strengthened the wellbeing and mental health support available to children and young people across NSW.

“Her leadership has ensured that care, early intervention and education work hand in hand, making a real and lasting difference to students, families and school communities.”

Richly deserved

Margaret Baker is currently the Principal Legal Officer for the Department, serving a footprint of more than 2220 public schools and education offices with a myriad of complex legal issues.

“Margaret Baker’s Australia Day Honour is richly deserved,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Her outstanding service as Principal Legal Officer has strengthened the integrity, fairness and effectiveness of legal services across NSW public education.

“For decades, Margaret has brought deep expertise, sound judgment and an unwavering commitment to the public good, ensuring our schools and students are supported by strong, principled legal foundations. This recognition reflects the lasting impact of her gracious leadership style and dedication to public service.”

Other recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) include:

• Chifley College Senior Campus school principal and NSW Secondary Principals Council deputy president Ann Caro for service to education.
• Hastings Secondary College Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Linda Mary Olive for service to education, and to the Indigenous community of NSW.
• Former teacher Laurence Roger Ashcroft for service to the community of Parkes.
• Former Oakville Public School Assistant Principal Bronwyn Joy Howes for service to primary education.
• Former New England education executive (former Qirindi PS acting principal and school education director) Robert Malcolm Lewis for service to the community of the New England region.
• Former Asquith High School teacher George Moscos for service to the community of North Sydney.
• Former Ettalong Public School assistant principal and former Combined Schools Choir director Frances Helen Kendall for service to music, and to the performing arts.
• Former Head Coach, Hill Sports High School Alen Stajcic for service to football.