The Catholic Education community gathered at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka to celebrate NAIDOC Mass and recognise those who have made a significant contribution to Aboriginal education in the Archdiocese.

The service began with a smoking ceremony by the Wiradjuri Echoes that welcomed attendees into the Church for Mass celebrated by Archbishop Christopher Prowse. Special thanks to Selina Walker for giving the Welcome to Country. Music was led by the Merici College, Braddon choir.

Those who could not attend the Mass in person due to COVID-19 restrictions joined in the celebrations via a livestream.

Congratulations to the 2021 NAIDOC Award recipients.

Cultural Leadership Award
Campbell Holgate (Year 6, St Patrick’s Parish School, Cooma)

Leadership/Mentoring Award
Belle Golding (Year 6, St Francis Xavier Primary School, Lake Cargelligo)

Performing Arts Award
Mariah Brody (Year 11, Merici College, Braddon)

Culture and Identity Award
Nikita Bell (Year 10, Hennessy Catholic College, Young)

Academic Achievement
Lily McConnell (Year 9, St Clare’s College, Griffith)

Academic Achievement
Bailey Shipp (Year 10, Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn)

Leadership/Mentoring Award
Liam Martin (Year 12, Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn)

Visual Arts
Chloe Mitchell (Year 10, Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn)

Leadership/Mentoring Award
Kristy Wallace (Teacher, St Anne’s Central School, Temora)

Leadership/Mentoring Award
Louise Gaynor (Teacher, St Anne’s Central School, Temora)

Performing Arts Award
Edith Baggoley (Year 6, St Benedict’s Primary School, Narrabundah)

Academic Achievement Award
Mia Tuoro (Year 5, St Benedict’s Primary School, Narrabundah)

Community Award
Sherrin Murphy (Grandparent)

Leadership/Mentoring Award
Alice Stuart (Year 12, Hennessy Catholic College, Young

Academic Achievement
Jordan Beath (Year 11, Hennessy Catholic College, Young)

Academic Achievement
Michael Perry (Year 12, Hennessy Catholic College, Young)