The winners of the 2023 Secretary’s Awards have been announced today at a ceremony at Parramatta.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar congratulated the winners and finalists and praised all education support staff who nominated for the awards.

He said the awards were also an opportunity to reflect on the core business of supporting teachers and students in NSW public education.

“These awards recognise people who make an impact on the ground,” he said.

“We’re out to change lives and have the very great privilege of serving 1.2 million learners.

“I want us all to have a service mentality. We are not here unless we can meet the needs and help those who are making a discernible difference.”

The Department’s Chief People Officer, Shaun Ruming, said the award winners and finalists had demonstrated outstanding achievement in their nominated categories.

“These awards show you’re willing to take risks and challenge the status quo, that you have the agility to respond to change and can work collaboratively in dynamic situations,” he said.

“You are delivering high quality outcomes for students and staff in our schools.”

2023 award winners

Courage

• Individual: Rosie Farnham, Learning Improvement
• Team: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Team, People Group

Agility

• Individual: Sam Gardiner, Learning Improvement
• Team: Virtual Model of Support – Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction, Learning Improvement

Clarity

• Individual: Ben North, School Performance North
• Team: QTP Data Team, Learning Improvement

Accountability

• Individual: Nicholas Backo, Learning Improvement
• Team: EDConnect Accounts Payable, Operations Group

Disciplined Delivery

• Individual: Anna Aravindh, Operations Group
• Team: Teaching Quality and Impact Aboriginal Education and Implementation and Impact team, Learning Improvement; School Development Day – Aboriginal Education Focus, Education and Skills Reform

Learning

• Individual: Jeff Corrigan, People Group
• Team: Kimberwalli Western Sydney Aboriginal Centre for Excellence, Education and Skills Reform

Young Professionals

• Individual: Jarrad Cox, Learning Improvement

Diversity and Inclusion Champion

• Individual: Florino De Guia, Operations Group

Visit the Secretary’s Awards webpage for the full list of 2023 finalists.