Googong Public School principal, Rebekah Lindsay, has been honoured with the 2024 ACT and surrounds NAIDOC Teacher of the Year Award for her exceptional educational leadership and unwavering dedication to empowering all students and staff.

The award recognises outstanding individuals within the education sector in the capital region, including early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, and other education groups, who have made a significant impact on the lives of students and communities.

A proud Biripi woman and an educator for more than 20 years, Ms Lindsay said she was incredibly humbled to have been nominated for this award by a parent at her school where Aboriginal education and culture was celebrated across the entire school community.

“All students and staff are involved in learning about, and being proud of, the world’s oldest living history and culture,” Ms Lindsay said.

“Aboriginal perspectives and concepts have been woven throughout all aspects of our school from the logo, uniforms, school design, internal procedures, building names and signage, learning modes, and learning programs.

“As a proud Aboriginal person, I am humbled by my staff’s dedication to creating culturally safe environments for our school community.

“They ensure Aboriginal perspectives are considered and embedded as part of our learning culture in all Key Learning Areas, as well as our wellbeing programs, championed by our mascot, the Googah (Ngambri word for Goanna).

“At Googong Public School it is more than the programs we engage with - it is about the learning culture we have created alongside the ongoing consultation and engagement with the Aboriginal community.

“Whilst it is lovely to be recognised for our work, it is for the students that we do what we do - they are what matters, they are the future,” she said.

In the nomination, Ms Lindsay was acknowledged for ensuring that Aboriginal culture was embedded as part of the fabric of Googong Public School, which opened last year.

“Under her leadership, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are empowered to thrive at Googong School as Rebekah has built a strong support team of First Nations and highly culturally capable non-Indigenous staff to uplift students,” it said.

“All students at the school are learning about Australia’s true history and developing an understanding of the value, impact and ongoing connection of the world’s oldest living culture in Australian society on a daily basis.

“Rebakah ensured her year 6 Aboriginal students had early networking and integration with the local high school, making the transition for these students smoother and less intimidating by receiving wrap around support from the outset.

“As an Aboriginal woman, she understands the importance of ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have the opportunity to thrive in an environment that celebrates and honours their identity.