More than 40,000 School Administration Support Staff have been honoured for their contributions to public education in NSW as part of School Support Recognition Week.

The celebrations also saw 16 support staff from NSW public schools acknowledged for contributions to student success, wellbeing, and school operations.

Deputy Secretary Public Schools, Deb Summerhayes, congratulated the winners, who were selected from more than 500 nominees.

"School Support Recognition Week provides us with an important opportunity to pause and acknowledge the everyday contributions that support staff make, which are essential to our schools," she said.

"Their dedication exemplifies the expertise, care, and commitment that school support staff bring to schools every day, ensuring smooth operations and nurturing learning environments.

"It has been a privilege celebrating their incredible stories during this special week and recognising the positive impact they have every day."

At a national level, Noah Gafa, a Learning Support Officer at Mungindi Central School, was presented with the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide Excellence Award.

In nominating Noah for the award, Assistant Principal Kerri Daly said his work supporting students with complex behavioural and wellbeing challenges helped them feel safe and ready to engage in learning.

"Noah’s guidance goes beyond the classroom, fostering confidence and skills that help students succeed both in school and the wider community," she said.

2026 NSW School Support Staff Award winners:

Impact on operations award

• Carol Sioufi, Business Manager, Merrylands High School

• Daina Roberge, Business Manager, Rivendell School
  

• Danica Pattison, School Administrative Officer, Penrith High School

• Katie Smith, School Administrative Officer, Kyogle High School

• Melanie Gisik, Business Manager, Jerrabomberra High School

• Laura Baker, Business Manager, Coffs Harbour Public School
  

Impact on students award

• Benjamin Argue, Student Support Officer, The Forest High School

• Fran Williams, Aboriginal Education Officer, Grafton High School

• Harry Cornford, School Learning Support Officer, Merewether High School
  

• Murray Robson, General Assistant, Hornsby High School

• Nicole Harrison, School Learning Support Officer, Windale Public School

• Peter Giurin, Farm Assistant, Moss Vale High School

Impact on the community award

• Brooke Stewart, Aboriginal Education Officer, Bomaderry High School

• Gillian O’Connell, Community Liaison Officer, Tarro Public School

• Jacqui Massey, School Administrative Manager, Riverina Environmental Education Centre
  

• Sivananthini Suresan, Community Liaison Officer, Bert Oldfield Public School