Dual ECEC Narragunnawali awards winners announced

Reconciliation Australia has announced the winners of the third Narragunnawali Awards; the national awards that recognise and celebrate Australian schools and early learning services that are implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives.

In the early childhood education and care (ECEC) space, dual winners were announced. Tumut Community Preschool (NSW) and Balnarring Pre-School (VIC) were both awarded in the early years category, the first time in the history of the Awards that there has been a dual winner. 

Ms Davis said judges were impressed by the early learning services’ commitment to building respectful and constructive relationships with local Traditional Owner groups. 

“Tumut Community Preschool staff do not shy away from the important work of critical reflection and holding each other to account,” said Ms Davis.

“They are committed to anti-racism in policy and practice, and work in partnership with the local Aboriginal community.

“Balnarring Preschool recognises the importance of children learning the histories and cultures of Australia’s First Peoples.

“They have enduring partnerships with Traditional Owners and actively engage the local community in developing learning, respect and understanding.” 

Balnarring Preschool was also a finalist in the inaugural 2017 Awards.

The awards were presented today during a ceremony as part of the 2021 Australian Reconciliation Convention.

Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine said she was impressed with the efforts of the Narragunnawali Awards finalists – and all schools and early learning services – who have kept reconciliation a priority in the classroom, around the school and with the community.

“It’s amazing to see that even with all the challenges posed to schools and early learning services over the past year, educators have remained some of our biggest advocates, giving young Australians the skills to contribute to reconciliation,” she said.

Reconciliation Australia also congratulated early learning finalists St Peter’s Girls Early Learners Centre (SA).

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.

Learn more about the Narragunnawali Awards here.