ABOUT THE AWARDS
Held biennially since 2017, the Narragunnawali Awards are the only national awards program that recognises and celebrates Australian schools and early learning services that are implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives. Finalists are acknowledged for strengthening relationships, building respect, and providing meaningful opportunities in the classroom, around the school or service, and with the community.
There are two categories:
- Schools: this category incorporates primary, secondary, senior secondary and combined schools within the Government, Independent or Catholic sectors.
- Early Learning: this category incorporates early childhood education and care, preschool, family day care and out of school hours care services.
Narragunnawali Awards Finalists and Winners
Thank you to all of the schools and early learning services that have shared their reconciliation stories through their applications over the years!
“The Judges were impressed by the strong leadership, passion and commitment to reconciliation that was evident across the applications” – Karen Mundine, CEO Reconciliation Australia
For more information about, and inspiration from, Narragunnawali Awards Finalists and Winners, view the films and links below.
2021 Early Learning Finalists
Winner
Balnarring Pre-School (VIC) / Tumut Community Preschool (NSW)
2021 Schools Finalists
Winner
St Virgil's College (TAS)
Past Finalists
Early Learning Category
- 2021 Joint Winner: Balnarring Pre-School (VIC)
- 2021 Joint Winner: Tumut Community Preschool (NSW)
- 2021 Finalist: St Peter's Girls Early Learners Centre (SA)
- 2019 Winner: Forbes Preschool (NSW)
- 2019 Finalist: Barefoot Early Childhood (QLD)
- 2017 Winner: Explore & Develop Penrith South (NSW)
- 2017 Finalist: Balnarring Pre-School (VIC)
- 2017 Finalist: Uranquinty Preschool (NSW)
Schools Category
- 2021 Winner: St Virgil's College (TAS)
- 2021 Finalist: Mosman Park Primary School (WA)
- 2021 Finalist: Briar Road Public School (NSW)
- 2019 Winner: Maclean High School (NSW)
- 2019 Finalist: Moolap Primary School (VIC)
- 2019 Finalist: Tamborine Mountain State School (QLD)
- 2017 Winner: Queanbeyan Public School (NSW)
- 2017 Finalist: Middle Park Primary School (VIC)
- 2017 Finalist: St Virgil's College (TAS)
Judging Panel
Geraldine Atkinson
Bangerang/Wiradjuri
Geraldine Atkinson is a Bangerang/Wiradjuri woman who has devoted her career to expanding the possibilities available to Koorie people through education. Geraldine is President of the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) and has made a significant impact in the area of early childhood, and has always regarded education as being the best instrument of progress.
Professor Peter Buckskin
Narungga
Professor Peter Buckskin is a Narungga man from the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. For over 40 years Professor Buckskin’s passion has been the pursuit of educational excellence for Aboriginal peoples. Professor Buckskin is Co-Chair of Reconciliation South Australia and is a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators.
Sharon Davis
Bardi Kija
Sharon Davis is a proud Aboriginal woman, from both the Bardi and Kija peoples of the Kimberley, and is committed to enhancing the education experience for Aboriginal students, families and communities and strengthening Aboriginal education for the benefit of all. Sharon is Director of Education at Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).