Recipients 2026

The First Nations and Diversity Group (FNDG), led by Annabelle and Bec, has made an outstanding contribution to strengthening community cohesion and advancing cultural inclusion. Meeting weekly, the group has delivered a range of meaningful events, including Sorry Day, Diversity Day and NAIDOC Week, fostering awareness, respect and connection across the community.

Their most significant achievement is the establishment of the yarning circle, officially opened in March this year. This powerful initiative reflects Annabelle and Bec’s commitment to creating a culturally safe space grounded in deep listening and collaborative knowledge sharing. The project began in August 2025 and was shaped through extensive consultation with local Elders, students, families and the College’s Executive Leadership Team.

As both an outdoor classroom and a gathering place, the yarning circle enriches students’ understanding of First Nation perspectives, strengthens their connection to Country and fosters reconciliation through storytelling and relationships. It helps to break down traditional hierarchies by creating a space where Elders, staff, students and community members stand as equals – ensuring every voice is acknowledged and valued.

With Annabelle and Bec’s leadership, the FNDG have created more than a physical space – they have embedded an ongoing practice of inclusion and shared learning. With future plans to incorporate First Nations artwork, pathways, signage and plantings, their work continues to centre First Nations voices in every decision, ensuring the space evolves with purpose, respect and cultural integrity.

Emerson is an extraordinary Senior First Nations Liaison Officer. A proud Kokoberra woman who grew up on Darumbal Country in Rockhampton, she has been promoted ahead of her years in recognition of her leadership and maturity.

Emmaus College has a 16% First Nations student enrolment, and Emerson’s work sits at the centre of that community.

She facilitates the Year 7 Welcome Ceremony, leads the Dance Troupe, coordinates NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week events, supports the RAP working group and organises the internal Graduation ceremony for First Nations Year 12s.

Her “Walk with Us” acknowledgement video, on YouTube, reflects both her initiative and her professionalism. On the ground, she builds transformative relationships with students, stepping in at the right moment to offer hope, appropriate boundaries and pathways that keep young people connected to school. Her efforts to invite pastoral care groups to pray for Kumanjayi Little Baby was a quietly powerful expression of Catholic identity at its best.

Angela has served St Joseph’s as a Learning Enhancement Teacher for more than nine years, leading with compassion, humility and a commitment to every child in her care.

At the centre of Angela’s work is her ability to engage with students, particularly those who are vulnerable or on the margins of learning. She recognises academic needs along with the emotional and social barriers that affect a child’s ability to learn and responds with discreet and respectful support.

Her contribution to and implementation of the school’s literacy and numeracy intervention programs reflects this approach, with flexible and responsive practice tailored to individual learners, many of whom have shown improved literacy outcomes alongside greater confidence and engagement.

Angela’s pastoral care extends to families and colleagues. For over ten years she served as the Banyo/Nundah Sacramental Coordinator, guiding families through the sacramental program with warmth and sensitivity. Staff regularly seek her counsel on professional and personal matters, trusting her to respond with wisdom, discretion and care.

Her commitment to service reaches beyond the school. In late 2025, Angela travelled to Cambodia to support teachers and students at Stepping Stones School, helping develop effective English reading strategies. On her return, she helped organise donations from the St Joseph’s community to maintain that connection.

Through his daily interactions, Jamie brings to life the values of service to others, compassion for those who are struggling and a deep respect for the dignity of every person.

He hears when he listens, values every contribution, and builds trust to bring people together and create the conditions for others to do their best work, He is generous with his time and expertise, inside and out of school hours, mentoring staff and contributing to initiatives that benefit the school and wider community.

Through diligent planning and evidence-informed approaches, Jamie has improved student engagement and learning outcomes for diverse learners. His leadership in establishing St John’s Therapy Dog program is a good example. He guided it through early challenges to become a sustainable initiative that has made a real difference to students needing additional emotional support. This is now being considered as a model for other schools.

Jamie leads with integrity and humility, and the culture of trust he has built, where students, staff, and families feel valued, is a clear measure of his impact. He leads with integrity and humility, and the culture of trust he has built, where students, staff, and families feel genuinely valued, is the clearest measure of his impact.

Carole has been the backbone of the school community for more than two decades. As Administration Officer and School Learning Officer, Carole has shaped daily life at the school through her wealth of local knowledge, practical skills and a commitment to service.

Her contribution goes well beyond her formal role. She volunteers on her days off, coordinates major school events including sports days, concerts, camps, graduation celebrations and the annual fete, doing much of this planning in her own time. In earlier years she was also known to mow the school lawn. That spirit of quiet, generous service has never changed.

The school benefits from her deep roots in the Ravenshoe community. The relationships she has built help connect the school to families, organisations and parish life, creating a genuine sense of belonging for everyone who walks through the door. Carole models the values of Catholic education through consistent action, showing compassion, integrity, generosity and care for others.

Cara’s leadership is defined by a deep and sustained commitment to reconciliation in action. Leading in a rural and remote community where more than half of students identify as First Nations, she has embedded cultural understanding, respect and inclusion into the everyday life of the school.

She has cultivated an environment where First Nations students feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in their identity, building genuine partnerships with families and community to ensure their voices shape the school’s direction. This relational approach has strengthened trust and connection across the community.

Under Cara’s leadership, reconciliation is reflected in daily practice – through high expectations, culturally responsive teaching and a commitment to knowing and valuing every student. She has also strengthened staff capability, providing consistent guidance and mentoring to ensure teachers work respectfully and effectively with First Nations students and families.

As a result, there have been sustained improvements in student engagement, attendance and connection to school.

Through her authentic leadership, Cara has created meaningful and lasting change. Her influence extends beyond Sacred Heart, with staff carrying their learning into other schools and communities, enabling reconciliation to be a shared and continued commitment.

Brendan builds Catholic identity through leadership that authentically integrates faith, learning, and action, grounded in the Brigidine charism of Strength and Gentleness. He guided the College through its transition to Kildare Ministries with steadiness and clarity, keeping Catholic identity central throughout.

His commitment to dignity and justice shows up in practice. Throughout his time as principal, bursary support has been expanded, more students have access to vocational pathways, and programs like the Compass Excellence Program have improved outcomes for students across a range of abilities.

Brendan builds community through relationship. His engagement with staff, families, Alumnae and the Parents and Friends Association creates a great sense of belonging. He has mentored more than 50 preservice teachers and contributed to state and national Catholic education committees, including serving as President of CASPAQ and Director of CaSPA.

Recognising a lack of competitive sporting opportunities for girls, he founded CaSSSA, which now serves students across thirteen Catholic secondary schools. Brendan leads a community shaped by trust, inclusion and a shared sense of purpose.

As APRE, Veronica is a steadfast advocate for the Catholic identity of the school, organisg liturgies, prayer experiences, social justice initiatives and pastoral care that ensure every member of the community feels valued.

Her faith leadership is also visible well beyond the school gate. As a result of Veronica’s work many in the school community volunteer at events such as Jungawala, the Cultural Festival, GS Youth Group, and World Youth Day celebrations.

Under her leadership, staff engagement with Catholic identity has deepened through regular Religious Education meetings and professional development. Morning briefings foster a shared sense of mission, keeping staff connected and aligned. She has also rewritten RE curriculum units, improving student engagement and learning outcomes.

Veronica brings people together around a common purpose. Whole school Masses, year level retreats, Caritas community service projects and a broad range of cultural and faith celebrations create opportunities for connection across the school, parish and wider community. Her efforts to include a diverse range of students in assemblies, liturgies and retreats reflect a genuine commitment to belonging and equity.

The impact of her work is evident in stronger bonds between school and parish, deeper faith engagement, and a culture of inclusion and care that continues to grow.