TWO Macksville students have been recognised for public speaking at the 21st annual Nanga Mai Awards.
Killara Hughes from Macksville Public School and Dee-Jae McLeod from Macksville High School each received awards for Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking – primary and secondary, respectively.
Celebrating excellence in Aboriginal education across NSW, the award ceremony was held on Wednesday, 4 November, at the NSW Department of Education’s Parramatta offices.
The talented young women are two of 26 winners across 19 categories, which recognised academic excellence, public speaking, performing arts, and sport, as well as dedicated teachers, community leaders, and education staff for their significant contribution to Aboriginal education.
Educators and students were also recognised for their contribution to early childhood education, as well as vocational education and training.
The 2026 Awards attracted almost 600 nominations from throughout NSW.
Her school’s vice-captain, Ms Hughes 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’s now earned 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,” she said.
“This achievement means a great deal to me, especially considering how many nominees there were across NSW.”
A Year 11 student, Dee-Jae McLeod is a proud member of the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti communities.
She is balancing a demanding academic workload and a School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) with her roles on her school’s 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,” Ms McLeod said.
“It’s opened doors to deeper education and will even give me a first-hand look at life in a law firm.
“Being selected for the Hickson Hunt scholarship comes with two weeks of paid work experience at the Sydney law firm, giving me invaluable insight into the legal profession.
“The 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.”
Ms McLeod said she was very proud to represent Macksville and her school among so many deserving award winners.
An award was also presented to Merv Donovan, a Gumbaynggirr man from Bowraville, with 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 almost five decades 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 Award 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 advance Aboriginal education in NSW.
“The 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.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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