Please join us in celebrating the winners of the 2025 Koori Curriculum Educator Awards
First Nations Early Learning Educator of The Year - Joanne Parsons
First Nations Early Learning Educator of The Year - Joanne Parsons
Jo has been part of our preschool family for 12 years, and in that time has become an inspirational leader in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our daily practice.
Her passion for culture shines through everything she does, and she is dedicated to learning and sharing this knowledge with children, families, and colleagues. For the past four years, Jo has been formally studying dhurga, our local language, at TAFE.
For the past four years, Jo has been formally studying dhurga, our local language, at TAFE. When she first started, she often doubted her abilities, feeling she wasn’t “smart enough” to take on this level of formal study. We always knew she could, and it has been incredible to witness her confidence grow. Today, Jo leads our language program with pride and creates outstanding learning resources that bring dhurga alive for children.
Her commitment goes beyond language—Jo is a key driver of our Aboriginal Culture program and is a talented weaver, passing on traditional knowledge in creative, hands-on ways. She is also mentoring a young trainee who shares her passion, ensuring that language and culture continue to be nurtured for generations to come.
Jo has been part of our preschool family for 12 years, and in that time has become an inspirational leader in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our daily practice.
Her passion for culture shines through everything she does, and she is dedicated to learning and sharing this knowledge with children, families, and colleagues. For the past four years, Jo has been formally studying dhurga, our local language, at TAFE.
For the past four years, Jo has been formally studying dhurga, our local language, at TAFE. When she first started, she often doubted her abilities, feeling she wasn’t “smart enough” to take on this level of formal study. We always knew she could, and it has been incredible to witness her confidence grow. Today, Jo leads our language program with pride and creates outstanding learning resources that bring dhurga alive for children.
Her commitment goes beyond language—Jo is a key driver of our Aboriginal Culture program and is a talented weaver, passing on traditional knowledge in creative, hands-on ways. She is also mentoring a young trainee who shares her passion, ensuring that language and culture continue to be nurtured for generations to come.
Early Learning Educator of The Year - Nathan Snow
Early Learning Educator of The Year - Nathan Snow
As a proud First Nations educator and the RAP Champion at Taylor CCEC, Nathan Snow leads with integrity, heart, and deep cultural wisdom. He brings service’s published Reconciliation Action Plan on the Narragunnawali platform to life as a living, breathing commitment to truth-telling, learning, and respectful relationships.
Guided by 8 Ways of Aboriginal Pedagogy, Nathan walks alongside children and educators, connecting them to Country, to stories, and to each other. His teaching is more than curriculum it’s a call to reflect, to listen, and to grow.
In one on many powerful experiences, Nathan introduced Air Dot Art, helping children explore the concept of “air” as a spiritual connector in Aboriginal culture. Children painted their understanding of identity, land, and connection through a practice rich in symbolism and meaning. Nathan’s leadership echoes well beyond the classroom.
He mentors educators, builds cultural safety, and ensures reconciliation is not symbolic, but lived every day, in every conversation. Nathan’s commitment to reconciliation is not just professional. It’s personal. Nathan grew up disconnected from cultural teachings.
His pop was part of the Stolen Generations, and like many, carried the pain and silence of that history. Out of fear and protection, cultural knowledge wasn’t passed down in the way it once was.
As a proud First Nations educator and the RAP Champion at Taylor CCEC, Nathan Snow leads with integrity, heart, and deep cultural wisdom. He brings service’s published Reconciliation Action Plan on the Narragunnawali platform to life as a living, breathing commitment to truth-telling, learning, and respectful relationships.
Guided by 8 Ways of Aboriginal Pedagogy, Nathan walks alongside children and educators, connecting them to Country, to stories, and to each other. His teaching is more than curriculum it’s a call to reflect, to listen, and to grow.
In one on many powerful experiences, Nathan introduced Air Dot Art, helping children explore the concept of “air” as a spiritual connector in Aboriginal culture. Children painted their understanding of identity, land, and connection through a practice rich in symbolism and meaning. Nathan’s leadership echoes well beyond the classroom.
He mentors educators, builds cultural safety, and ensures reconciliation is not symbolic, but lived every day, in every conversation. Nathan’s commitment to reconciliation is not just professional. It’s personal. Nathan grew up disconnected from cultural teachings.
His pop was part of the Stolen Generations, and like many, carried the pain and silence of that history. Out of fear and protection, cultural knowledge wasn’t passed down in the way it once was.
First Nations Primary School Educator of The Year - Sophie Mung
First Nations Primary School Educator of The Year - Sophie Mung
Sophie Mung is the Culture Boss at Purnululu Independent School. She has drive the implementation of the first SCASA approved First Nations alternative curriculum in WA.
Her school is now a truly two-way school that teaches the Gija curriculum. Gija is embedded in every subject. Each term there is a Creation story that the lessons are integrated around. Sophie guides students in language and culture across the school.
Sophie Mung is the Culture Boss at Purnululu Independent School. She has drive the implementation of the first SCASA approved First Nations alternative curriculum in WA.
Her school is now a truly two-way school that teaches the Gija curriculum. Gija is embedded in every subject. Each term there is a Creation story that the lessons are integrated around. Sophie guides students in language and culture across the school.
Ally of The Year - Sharon Frisby
Ally of The Year - Sharon Frisby
I am delighted to nominate Sharon Frisby, an exceptional educator, for her unwavering commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within our early learning environment.
Sharon thoughtfully integrates First Nations cultures into everyday practices, providing meaningful and creative experiences where children are active participants in the learning journey.
These include culturally inspired activities such as weaving—a significant practice within Torres Strait Islander culture—discussions on Caring for Country, and children helping to care for the community garden.
She has also incorporated bush tucker such as Strawberry Gum and Lemon Myrtle into her learning experiences for the children, among many other activities. During Reconciliation Week, Sharon, together with the children, explored traditional shelters and learned the Darumbal word for them—Gunyahs. They then collaborated to build one using cardboard and natural materials.
Sharon’s approach is intentional and respectful She actively engages with community knowledge and practices in ways that honour Country and culture, ensuring that these perspectives are not treated as add-ons, but as integral to the children's learning journey. Through her work, Sharon fosters an inclusive space where children develop a genuine understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions.
Sharon’s leadership also inspires her colleagues, promoting a shared commitment to reconciliation and cultural respect.
I am delighted to nominate Sharon Frisby, an exceptional educator, for her unwavering commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within our early learning environment.
Sharon thoughtfully integrates First Nations cultures into everyday practices, providing meaningful and creative experiences where children are active participants in the learning journey.
These include culturally inspired activities such as weaving—a significant practice within Torres Strait Islander culture—discussions on Caring for Country, and children helping to care for the community garden.
She has also incorporated bush tucker such as Strawberry Gum and Lemon Myrtle into her learning experiences for the children, among many other activities. During Reconciliation Week, Sharon, together with the children, explored traditional shelters and learned the Darumbal word for them—Gunyahs. They then collaborated to build one using cardboard and natural materials.
Sharon’s approach is intentional and respectful She actively engages with community knowledge and practices in ways that honour Country and culture, ensuring that these perspectives are not treated as add-ons, but as integral to the children's learning journey. Through her work, Sharon fosters an inclusive space where children develop a genuine understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions.
Sharon’s leadership also inspires her colleagues, promoting a shared commitment to reconciliation and cultural respect.
Ally of The Year Jess' Choice - Sarah Metcalfe
Ally of The Year Jess' Choice - Sarah Metcalfe
Sarah Metcalfe from ‘Mud Pies and Blue Skies Family Day Care’ I am honoured to nominate Sarah Metcalfe from ‘Mud Pies and Blue Skies Family Day Care’ for her outstanding commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout her early childhood education service.
Sarah is a passionate, authentic, and tireless advocate for cultural inclusion, reconciliation, and truth-telling, and her work is nothing short of inspiring. Sarah has been a trailblazer in creating a culturally rich learning environment that fosters deep respect and connection to Country, culture, and community.
Her dedication is evident not only in the intentional resources and programming within her service, but also in the way she generously shares her journey and knowledge with other educators across her network.
Within her program, Sarah seamlessly weaves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into daily practice. In the home corner, children are invited to explore painted bush food items and eggs, lovingly created to sit alongside familiar play materials. Her baby space features Indigenous print clothing, hats, and wraps, creating an inclusive and respectful visual landscape from the earliest age.
Her playdough experiences are often enriched with Aboriginal inspired herbs, spices, and natural ingredients, paired with traditional tools and Aboriginal-themed moulds, offering a sensory and cultural learning opportunity, the inclusion of Australian birds, animals, plants and wildlife connects the children with the land, Mother Nature and tradition. Sarah doesn’t stop at surface level inclusion, she deeply engages with her local Aboriginal community and actively seeks out opportunities to connect children and families with living culture.
Sarah Metcalfe from ‘Mud Pies and Blue Skies Family Day Care’ I am honoured to nominate Sarah Metcalfe from ‘Mud Pies and Blue Skies Family Day Care’ for her outstanding commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout her early childhood education service.
Sarah is a passionate, authentic, and tireless advocate for cultural inclusion, reconciliation, and truth-telling, and her work is nothing short of inspiring. Sarah has been a trailblazer in creating a culturally rich learning environment that fosters deep respect and connection to Country, culture, and community.
Her dedication is evident not only in the intentional resources and programming within her service, but also in the way she generously shares her journey and knowledge with other educators across her network.
Within her program, Sarah seamlessly weaves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into daily practice. In the home corner, children are invited to explore painted bush food items and eggs, lovingly created to sit alongside familiar play materials. Her baby space features Indigenous print clothing, hats, and wraps, creating an inclusive and respectful visual landscape from the earliest age.
Her playdough experiences are often enriched with Aboriginal inspired herbs, spices, and natural ingredients, paired with traditional tools and Aboriginal-themed moulds, offering a sensory and cultural learning opportunity, the inclusion of Australian birds, animals, plants and wildlife connects the children with the land, Mother Nature and tradition. Sarah doesn’t stop at surface level inclusion, she deeply engages with her local Aboriginal community and actively seeks out opportunities to connect children and families with living culture.
In celebration of Early Childhood Educators Day, we want to celebrate those educators in our community who are trailblazing a path to support Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their practise.
Nominations are open to Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Early Childhood Educators, please make sure to check the category you are nominating educators in.
All nominated educators will be given the opportunity to highlight their practise via a social media takeover of the Koori Curriculum social media accounts.
Entries will open on the 4th of August, and you will have to submit your entry by no later than the 14th of September 2025.
Entries must include a photograph of the nominated Early Childhood Educator along with a 300-word or more blurb describing why they are nominating that Early Childhood Educator and must include their contributions to embedding Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their practise.
There are 6 award categories:
- First Nations Early Learning Educator of The Year: for educators who have contributed significantly to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in their centre that work in the early years space. This award is specifically for Indigenous educators. The 5 entries with the highest number of votes will be shortlisted and reviewed by the Director of the Koori Curriculum, Jessica Staines who will select the winner.
- Early Learning Educator of The Year: for educators who have contributed significantly to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in their centre that work in the early years space. This award is open to Non-Indigenous Early Childhood Educators. The 5 entries with the highest number of votes will be shortlisted and reviewed by the Director of the Koori Curriculum, Jessica Staines who will select the winner.
- First Nations Primary School Educator of The Year: for educators who have contributed significantly to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in their school that work in the primary years space. This award is specifically for Indigenous educators. The 5 entries with the highest number of votes will be shortlisted and reviewed by the Director of the Koori Curriculum, Jessica Staines who will select the winner.
- Primary School Educator of The Year: for educators who have contributed significantly to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in their school that work in the primary years space. This award is open to Non-Indigenous Early Childhood Educators. The 5 entries with the highest number of votes will be shortlisted and reviewed by the Director of the Koori Curriculum, Jessica Staines who will select the winner.
- Ally of the Year: for educators, parents, support and administration staff or partners who have significantly contributed to a school or early years’ service ability to embed Aboriginal perspectives. The 5 entries with the highest number of votes will be shortlisted and reviewed by the Director of the Koori Curriculum, Jessica Staines who will select the winner.
- Ally of the Year (Jess' Choice): for educators, parents, support and administration staff or partners who have significantly contributed to a school or early years’ service ability to embed Aboriginal perspectives. This award will be chosen from the entire pool of nominated educators and will not be dependent on vote count.
Voting will close on the 14th of September 2025. The 5 entries with the highest number of votes in each category will be shortlisted and reviewed by the Director of the Koori Curriculum, Jessica Staines who will select the winners.
The chosen winner will be announced on the 15th of September 2025. All submissions are displayed in a virtual gallery.
The winners will each receive a $200 store voucher to the Koori Curriculum store, an awards pack, digital assets for websites and social media, featured in an article in the Koori Curriculum Quarterly and the option to be featured as a masterclass presenter for the Koori Curriculum Club.
Please note: submissions must be on behalf of a nominee, self-submissions will not be accepted, duplicate submissions will be removed.