Reconciliation Australia has named six Australian schools and early learning services as finalists for the 2025 Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education Awards, recognising their exceptional work in advancing reconciliation through education.
The finalists were selected by a panel of leading First Nations educationalists — Sharon Davis, Professor Grace Sarra, and Professor Joe Sambono — for their commitment to building respectful relationships with Elders and communities, deepening understanding of First Nations cultures and histories, and fostering truth-telling within their educational settings.
Established in 2017, the Narragunnawali Awards are the nation's only biennial awards dedicated to celebrating reconciliation efforts in schools and early learning environments.
Reconciliation Australia Board Director Sharon Davis praised the growing number of educational institutions engaging meaningfully in reconciliation.
"Narragunnawali gives educators a way in," they said. "Every year we are heartened by the growing groundswell of schools and early learning services that are walking the talk – not just knowing better but doing better."
Davis said the program empowers educators to incorporate First Nations cultures, languages and histories into learning environments with intention 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," they said.
The Narragunnawali program provides practical tools and resources to support reconciliation within educational settings across Australia.
"There is a deep hunger for justice in our communities, and when it comes to education, we cannot carry that work alone," Davis said.
"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."
The judging panel will visit each finalist by the end of August with winners to be announced in November at the 2025 Narragunnawali Awards presentation night.
Each category winner will receive $10,000 to support further reconciliation initiatives within their school or early learning service.
Teachers Health Group Chief Executive and RAP Champion, Brad Joyce, 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".
2025 Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education Awards finalists
Schools
Bannister Creek Primary School, WA, Briar Road Public School, NSW, Karuah Public School, NSW.
Early Learning Services
Evans Head – Woodburn Preschool, NSW, Goodstart Shailer Park, QLD, Tilly's Play and Education – Rutherford, NSW.
