TWO students from Macksville have been recognised for public speaking at the 21st annual Nanga Mai Awards, which celebrate excellence in Aboriginal education across NSW, on Wednesday, 4 November at the NSW Department of Education’s Parramatta office.
These talented young women were two of 26 winners across 19 categories recognised at the awards ceremony.
The winners included students who demonstrated excellence in academics, public speaking, performing arts, or sport, as well as dedicated teachers, community leaders, and education staff who made significant contributions to Aboriginal education.
The 2026 Awards attracted almost 600 nominations from across NSW.
Educators and students were recognised for their contribution to early childhood education, as well as vocational education and training.
Killara Hughes, from Macksville Public School, and Dee-Jae McLeod, from Macksville High School, received the awards for Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking – Primary and Secondary.
Killara’s citation said that, in her role as Vice-Captain of her school, she has consistently led by example, demonstrating maturity, resilience, respect, pride in her community and a genuine commitment to supporting others.
A highly respected role model and engaging communicator, she also earned herself a place at the regional final of the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition.
“I was truly honoured to be nominated for and presented with the Nanga Mai Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking,” Killara said.
“On Tuesday, 3 November, I had the privilege of travelling to Sydney to attend the awards ceremony the following day.
“I received this award in recognition of excellence in Public Speaking at the primary school level.
“This achievement means a great deal to me, especially considering how many nominations for these awards there were across NSW.”
Year 11 student Dee-Jae is a proud member of the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti communities.
She was acknowledged for balancing a demanding academic workload and a Health Care School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) with her roles on the school leadership team and the Nambucca Valley Youth Leadership council – all while maintaining a 92 per cent school attendance rate.
Her public speaking skills were highlighted when she won through to the regional Lions Youth of the Year competition with a compelling speech on Indigenous health outcomes in rural communities.
“Receiving the 2026 Nanga Mai Award for secondary public speaking and academic excellence has been an exhilarating experience, opening doors to deeper education and firsthand look at life in a law firm,” Dee-Jae said.
“Being selected for the Hickson Hunt scholarship is a significant achievement; it provides two weeks’ paid work experience at a Sydney law firm, where I will gain invaluable insight into the legal profession.
“This award recognises my effort and the voice I bring to representing the youth in Macksville, serving as a vital gateway toward my goal of studying law.
“I felt very proud to be able to represent Macksville and my high school among so many deserving award winners.
“At the award ceremony I enjoyed meeting other students receiving awards and making connections.”
An award was also presented to Merv Donovan, a Gumbaynggirr man from Bowraville, for almost five decades of service to Aboriginal education and community.
Hailing from Bowraville but now living in Sydney, he received the Service Award to Aboriginal Education after spending nearly 50 years advancing opportunities for the NSW’s Aboriginal people through education, training, community development and cultural leadership.
In 2021, Mr Donovan led work supporting the Closing the Gap reform agenda before being appointed Managing Director of NSW AECG Training, where he continues to advocate for community-led education, workforce development and lifelong learning opportunities for Aboriginal people.
Gilguy Gamambi Preschool in Nambucca Heads was also recognised with a Nanga Mai for its exceptional commitment to Aboriginal children, families, and community, and for “delivering culturally grounded early learning that is high quality, demonstrates exceptional professionalism and is deeply connected to Country.”
The Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Prue Car, said, “The Nanga Mai Awards recognise the many students, teachers, and community members who, through their commitment to excellence, have contributed to advancing Aboriginal education in NSW.
“Congratulations to every student, teacher and community member who has been honoured today.”
“The Nanga Mai Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Aboriginal students and staff across our public education system,” said NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar PSM.
“Each award recipient represents not only individual talent, determination and excellence, but also the strength of the families, communities and educators who walk alongside them, nurture their aspirations and help create the opportunities for them to thrive.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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