Nominations open for the 21st Nanga Mai Awards celebrating excellence in Aboriginal education across NSW

The NSW Department of Education has officially opened nominations for the 21st Nanga Mai Awards, an annual celebration recognising outstanding achievement, leadership and commitment to Aboriginal education across New South Wales public schools and their communities.

Nominations are open and will remain open until Wednesday 29 July 2026, with recipients to be recognised at a formal awards ceremony on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at the Department's Parramatta office.

The awards honour the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal educators, departmental staff, community members and schools that are making a meaningful difference in Aboriginal education and student outcomes.

Recognising Excellence in Aboriginal Education

Now in their 21st year, the Nanga Mai Awards continue to provide an important platform to celebrate excellence, leadership and cultural strength across NSW public education.

The awards recognise achievement across a broad range of areas, including academic excellence, leadership, cultural knowledge, language revitalisation, community partnerships and educational innovation. They also acknowledge the vital role that Aboriginal communities play in supporting culturally strong learning environments and improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal students.

By showcasing success stories from across the state, the awards help elevate the voices, talents and achievements of Aboriginal students, educators and communities while promoting greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal histories, cultures and contributions.

Award Categories for 2026

The 21st Nanga Mai Awards include categories for students, staff, schools and community members.

Student Awards

Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in NSW public schools, categories include:

• Outstanding All Round Student (Primary and Secondary)
• Outstanding Academic Excellence (Primary and Secondary)
• Outstanding Student Leadership (Primary and Secondary)
• Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking (Primary and Secondary)
• Outstanding Achievement in Performing, Creative and Visual Arts (Primary and Secondary)
• Outstanding Achievement in Sport (Primary and Secondary)
• NSW Department of Education Outstanding School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
• NSW Department of Education Outstanding VET in Schools Student of the Year

Staff Awards

Open to current NSW Department of Education employees, categories include:

• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Staff Member
• Outstanding Contribution to Early Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Staff Member
• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by a Non-Aboriginal Staff Member
• Outstanding Leadership in Aboriginal Education
• Outstanding Leadership in Aboriginal Languages
• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by a Non-School-Based Staff Member

School and Community Awards

Open to NSW public schools and Aboriginal community members, categories include:

• Outstanding Early Education and Care Service
• Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Community Member
• Outstanding School and Community Partnership
• Outstanding Commitment to Increasing Knowledge and Understanding of Aboriginal Histories, Cultures and Experiences

How to Nominate

Nominations must be submitted through the Department's online nomination process, with separate forms available for student, staff and school/community categories.

A complete nomination requires:

• A nomination statement of up to 200 words outlining why the nominee is being recognised
• Examples demonstrating outstanding qualities, achievements or contributions
• Details of any previous awards, recognition or accomplishments
• A high-quality photograph of the nominee (students must be photographed in school uniform)
• Principal endorsement and acknowledgement from the relevant local or regional Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) representative

The Department encourages nominators to gather all supporting information before commencing the online nomination process.

Celebrating Community, Culture and Achievement

The Nanga Mai Awards remain one of the NSW Department of Education's most significant initiatives for recognising excellence in Aboriginal education.

By celebrating the achievements of students, educators, staff, schools and community members, the awards highlight the leadership, resilience, cultural knowledge and partnerships that continue to enrich NSW public education and support improved outcomes for Aboriginal learners across the state.

Further information, eligibility criteria and nomination forms are available through the NSW Department of Education's Nanga Mai Awards webpage.