SPIRIT OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION AWARDS
Recipients 2026
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Congratulations to the 2026 Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award recipients.
The Spirit of Catholic Education Award recipient will be announced on Monday 21 July.
Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award
First Nations and Diversity Group
Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Highfields - Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools
Read MoreFirst Nations and Diversity Group
Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Highfields - Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools
Annabelle Cowen and Bec Lopez
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 Godwell
Senior First Nations Liaison Officer - Emmaus College, North Rockhampton - Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton
Read MoreEmerson Godwell
Senior First Nations Liaison Officer - Emmaus College, North Rockhampton - Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton
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.