NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar was joined by past winners of the Nanga Mai Awards for a special panel discussion to kickstart NAIDOC celebrations on Tuesday.

One current and two former Nanga Mai Award recipients joined Mr Dizdar and department staff in Parramatta to celebrate NAIDOC ahead of the official week, which falls during the upcoming school holidays (6-13 July).

Mr Dizdar said this year’s NAIDOC theme of, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, was particularly relevant.

“From early childhood, to learning in schools through to vocational education, we work alongside Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities to understand and grow opportunities, which the next generation can rely on as their right in public education,” he said.

Olivia Fox won the Outstanding Achievement in the Performing, Creative and Visual Arts Award at the 2021 Nanga Mai Awards and wants to bring culture to the classroom once she becomes a primary school teacher.

“As a future educator, it’s my responsibility to keep our legacy alive. Legacy is not just what people who lived before us did, it’s what we carry forward with us and provide in the classroom,” Ms Fox said.

“We need to see mob in the decision-making process. You have to walk with us and learn with us. Culture is a joy and needs to be celebrated in every classroom.”

Having won the Outstanding Achievement in Performing/Creative/Visual Arts Award (Secondary) at last year’s Nanga Mai Awards, Aurielle Smith aspires to have First Nation students shape their learning environment.

“I’ve had so many performing opportunities and want to ensure that other Aboriginal students have opportunities like I did. I want to see First Nation graduates part of the curriculum to ensure safe spaces are created in the classroom and students can share their perspectives free and be supported,” Miss Smith said.

Attendees at the NAIDOC event also enjoyed a special performance by Moree Secondary College’s Kyla Belle Roberts, who celebrated her Gomeroi heritage by performing her debut song, 'Scars', and singing 'I Am Australian' in language and English.

NSW public schools will celebrate NAIDOC before or after the July holidays, with events planned across the state.

The department is celebrating 20 years of the Nanga Mai Awards in 2025, with nominations closing Friday 4 July ahead of a gala ceremony in Parramatta on Thursday 25 September.