Image credit: Tom Hoy, Wirrim Media

Truth-telling about the history of education institutions, co-designing curriculum with Traditional Owners, extending professional networks and creating reconciliation communities of practice, actively promoting anti-racism and encouraging a deeper knowledge of Aboriginal languages.  

These are just some of the outstanding reconciliation initiatives the Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Education Awards 2025 finalists are implementing in their schools and early learning services. 

Schools Category  Finalists

Bannister Creek Primary School (WA)  

Briar Road Public School (NSW)   

Karuah Public School (NSW)  

Early Learning Category Finalists

Evans Head – Woodburn Preschool (NSW)  

Goodstart Shailer Park (QLD)  

Tillys Play and Development – Rutherford (NSW)  

Narragunnawali Awards Judging Panel members (L to R) Professor Grace Sarra, Sharon Davis and Professor Joe Sambono. Image Credit: Tom Hoy, Wirrim Media

Throughout July and August, the judging panel of eminent First Nations educationalists: Mx Sharon Davis, Professor Grace Sarra, and Professor Joe Sambono visited each finalist school and early learning service to learn more about their reconciliation initiatives and to get an up-close look at their activities in the classroom and the wider community 

Following site visits with each finalist, the judges will select the winners, which will be announced at the awards presentation night in November.  

The judging panel acknowledged the finalists for their commitments to building strong and respectful relationships with local First Nations Elders and communities, developing an understanding of First Nations’ cultures and histories, and engaging in truth-telling within their educational communities.  

Chair of the judging panel and Reconciliation Australia Board Director, Sharon Davis, said education is a powerful tool for building a better society.  

‘Narragunnawali gives educators a way in. It supports them to bring First Nations cultures, languages and histories into their classrooms and early learning services with care and respect. When educators approach the work with self-reflection and a willingness to learn, and when relationships with community are at the centre, schools and services start to feel safer and more welcoming for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.  

‘Each year I judge these awards, I’m heartened by the growing groundswell of schools and early learning services that are walking the talk - not just knowing better but doing better.  

‘Most educators in Australia are non-Indigenous, and that makes their role in reconciliation essential. Narragunnawali helps educators embed reconciliation into everyday practice, and take up that responsibility with care, commitment and courage,’ adds Davis.  

About the Narragunnawali Awards  

Held every two years since 2017, the Narragunnawali Awards are Australia’s first and only national awards which recognise and celebrate outstanding reconciliation initiatives – across the government, Catholic and independent education sectors.   

The winners of each category of the Narragunnawali Awards 2025 will receive $10,000 in prize money to support reconciliation initiatives within the winning school or early learning service community.  

Awards supporters  

Reconciliation Australia welcomes Telstra and Teachers Health as the sponsors for the Narragunnawali Awards 2025.  

Telstra is sponsoring the Early Learning Category and Teachers Health is sponsoring the Schools Category.   

Lauren Ganley, Telstra’s Chief First Nations Advocate, said: ‘We’re honoured to sponsor the 2025 Narragunnawali Awards and celebrate the incredible work educators are doing to lead reconciliation in Australia. By supporting the younger generation to be the change we want to see, we’re hoping to shape a future where reconciliation is understood and lived from the very beginning.’  

Brad Joyce, CEO and RAP Champion of the Teachers Health Group said, ‘As we continue on our Innovate RAP journey, we understand the importance and value of the Narragunnawali program and we’re proud to sponsor the 2025 Awards, recognising and championing schools that are walking the path of reconciliation with purpose and heart.’