Pauline McLeod Reconciliation Awards Winners

A great congratulations to all of the nominees and winners of the 2024 Pauline McLeod Awards for Reconciliation. We acknowledge and appreciate the work that you all do in the Inner West Community.

Discover more about all the nominees for the 2024 Awards via the 2024 Community Awards digital presentation.

• 2024 Community Awards digital presentation - PDF PD

Primary Student Award

Ethan Campbell

Ethan Campbell, Garden Club Captain at St Brendan's Catholic Primary school, has demonstrated remarkable knowledge and enthusiasm for the Second Phase of his school's Indigenous Reconciliation Garden. His research, ideas and attendance at Sydney Uni Health based lectures was outstanding for a Stage 1 student. Ethan's passion for gardening became apparent through his involvement with his parents and grandparents gardens. Ethan is a credit to this school, his family and wonderful that he can share knowledge of Country with all ages.

Angus Stanic

Angus Stanic has demonstrated his commitment to Reconciliation through his awareness of nature and understanding the importance of inclusivity and harmony. He regularly shares helpful tips about the environment with his peers and has been instrumental in the labelling of his school's Native Indigenous Reconciliation Garden at St Brendan's Catholic Primary School. He is supportive of the project and gave up some of his holiday time to assist with the garden.

Open Award

Mary Grace Mugavero

Grace has been supportive of St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School’s Reconciliation Plan from the initial launch phase in 2016, since the school started a committee RAP group from mid 2015. Grace is mainly a Stage 2 and Newman Support Teacher as well as contributing across the school in several Curriculum areas which covers LSO and Diverse Learning. Grace continues to offer support to parents, staff and past indigenous students through her regular committee meetings. She has also been instrumental in arranging flags and acknowledgement posters for Harmony Day, Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC, Mabo and other significant days.

Blake Griffith

In 2024, Blake and Marea successfully developed and led a program to close the gap in education for First Nations Students. The program started with a couple of Indigenous Students – many unknown or identify. The Aboriginal Program gained momentum during the early days of Paul Conn’s principal ship at Lewisham (2008-2009). His aim was to have 2 percent Aboriginal students at CBHS to represent the demographic in society. By 2011 there were over 25 students across years 5-11. For many of these boys they are the first in their family to achieve their HSC. They have opportunities to go to University, TAFE and to pursue traineeships. Many of the boys have been able to pursue school based traineeships and apprenticeship at the same time as achieving their HSC.

About The Awards

Pauline McLeod was an icon in Australian media and entertainment who worked across many platforms to teach and celebrate her First Nation heritage with Australian audiences of all ages. She was a member of the Stolen Generation and was removed from her natural family in 1962 aged 18 months. In 1986 she returned home and became an author, poet, master storyteller, cultural learning educator, director and performer.

Further Information

Eligibility 

• • For individuals: Must be a resident, student, worker, or a volunteer within the local government areas of Inner West local government area;
  • For an organisation: Must be an organisation or business within the Inner West local government area
  • Must not be Members of Parliament, former Councillors, or employees of Inner West Council;
  • Must be nominated by someone other than themselves;
  • Cannot be considered for a second award in a category in which they have already received an award in a previous year;
  • Council reserves the right to withdraw an award if further information or the recipient's conduct draws the Council awards into disrepute.
  • Awards will not be granted posthumously. 

Judging Criteria 

The nominee can be an individual or organisation that has demonstrated their commitment to Reconciliation over the past year. For example, an individual or group may hold an activity or event with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. They may have formed a touch footy club; held regular morning teas in the community; or provided equal employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Help and Support

Contact our team by email: awards@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

Or give us a call on 9392 5177