On Friday, 26 July, the Catholic Education community gathered at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka with special guests to celebrate the NAIDOC Mass and recognise students and staff members who have made a significant contribution to Aboriginal education in the Archdiocese.

Before Mass the congregation gathered outside the Cathedral. Participants were greeted with a smoking ceremony conducted by the Wiradjuri echoes as they entered the Church for Mass celebrated by Archbishop Christopher Prowse.

Music was led by the St Mary MacKillop College, Canberra choir.

Congratulations to the 2019 NAIDOC Award recipients:

Culture and Identity Award
Kaelen Mitchell (Year 6, St Francis Xavier Primary School, Lake Cargelligo)

Leadership/Mentor Award
Ryley Knight (Year 12, Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn)

Academic Achievement Award
Oscar Bartholomew (Year 6, Francis Xavier Primary School, Lake Cargelligo)

Academic Achievement Award
Ellah O’Callaghan (Year 10, Sacred Heart Central School, Cootamundra)

Culture and Identity Award
Riley Weeks (Year 12, Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn)

Culture and Identity Award
Miesje Blumer (Aboriginal Education Contact Teacher, St Patrick’s Parish School, Cooma)

Leadership/Mentor Award
Miah Moggridge (Year 5, Good Shepherd Primary School, Amaroo)

Leadership/Mentor Award
Mercedes Jacobs (Year 12, Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn)

Culture and Identity Award
Shania Morgan (Year 12, St Clare’s College, Canberra)

Leadership Award
Shynita Cromelin (Year 6, St Francis Xavier Primary School, Lake Cargelligo)

Leadership/Mentor Award
Bev McGreevy (Aboriginal Education Contact Teacher, Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn)

Community Award
Mawaang Tribe (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from K-10, Sacred Heart Central School, Cootamundra)