Congratulations to Maclean High School (NSW) who took home the schools category award for their strong and shared enthusiasm for reconciliation and for developing deep, ongoing relationships with local Elders and community members.

In recognition of building community trust in a challenging context, it was Forbes Preschool (NSW) who were awarded winners of the early learning category – congratulations to teachers and community members.

Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine said that each year the Narragunnawali Awards judges have a tough time separating the nominees from the finalists.

“We are so inspired by the contributions that students, teachers and broader communities are making to progress reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

“For Maclean High School, our judges commented on a strong and shared enthusiasm for reconciliation felt right across the school – in classrooms, on the grounds and within the local community,” Ms Mundine said.

“There’s a real sense that Maclean High School is bringing others along with them on their reconciliation journey.”

Ms Mundine said the judges applauded Forbes Preschool for its approach to reconciliation in a relatively challenging local cultural context, where racism is otherwise quite prevalent.

“Courageous conversations are being had not only in the classroom, but also with families and community members,” Ms Mundine said.

“A focus on taking learning experiences out to community – rather than necessarily relying on community members to come into the service – is pleasing to see, as are purposeful reconciliation projects, such as the “pop-up preschool” initiative.”

Reconciliation Australia also congratulates the finalists in each category who were: Barefoot Early Childhood (Qld); Tamborine Mountain State School (Qld) and Moolap Primary School (Vic).

The Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education program, in partnership with the BHP Foundation, enables Australian schools and early learning services to foster knowledge and pride in First Nations histories, cultures and contributions.

The Narragunnawali Awards are Australia’s first and only national reconciliation in education awards that aim to recognise commitment to reconciliation in schools and early learning services.