Australian schools and early learning services with an outstanding commitment to reconciliation in education have been selected as finalists for the Narragunnawali Awards 2023.
 

Narragunnawali Awards judging panel Chair, Sharon Davis, at one of the recent Finalist site visits.

The distinguished judging panel, including Sharon Davis, Geraldine Atkinson and Joe Sambono, assessed the shortlisted applications and praised finalists for their dedication to activities such as respectfully integrating reconciliation and local Aboriginal languages into the curriculum, and fostering strong relationships with local Elders and communities.
 

Panel chair, Sharon Davis emphasised the importance of finalists’ efforts in combating racism and fostering respectful relationships, stating that these initiatives present a brighter future for Australia. The finalists are represented across two categories:
 

Schools:

•  Winterfold Primary School – Noongar Country, Beaconsfield, WA
•  Kwoorabup Nature School – Noongar Country, Denmark, WA
•  Kellyville Public School – Darug Country, Kellyville, NSW

Early Learning Services:

•  Stirling District Kindergarten – Kaurna Country, Stirling, SA
•  Wyong Preschool Kindergarten – Darkinjung Country, Wyong, NSW  
•  Little Beacons Learning Centre – Wurundjeri and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country, Pakenham, VIC

With Commendation:

•  Lismore High School, Wijabal Wyabal Country, NSW
•  Melbourne Indigenous Transition School, Wurundjeri Country, VIC
•  Hawthorndene Primary School, Kaurna Country, SA
•  Goodstart Shailer Park, Jagera and Yugambeh Country, QLD
•  Kinda-Mindi Early Learning Centre Claymore, Dharawal Country, NSW
•  MacGregor Outside School Hours Care, Turrbal and Jagera Country, QLD
 

The judges also commended all awards applicants for their commitment to reconciliation in education and for sharing their reconciliation stories through the application process.

Winners in each category will be chosen after the judging panel conducts a visit to each finalist school or service, and will be announced at an Awards presentation event that will form part of a wider reconciliation in education forum at the end of November. Keep an eye out on the Awards page of the Narragunnawali platform for more details.
 

Outside of the Narragunnawali Awards, exploring localised means to acknowledge students, children, staff and community members who are making an outstanding contribution to progressing reconciliation in your school or early learning service is an excellent way of celebrating your RAP progress and wider reconciliation journey. The Reconciliation Awards Action can be added to your school or early learning service’s RAP, with a range of ideas for you to work with in celebrating your educational community's reconciliation commitments and achievements.