Outstanding commitment to Aboriginal education in the Illawarra receives top marks at state awards

Two Illawarra treasures have been honoured for their commitment to Aboriginal education at the 19th annual Nanga Mai Awards.

Lee Moran from Koonawarra Public School, and Aunty Lindy Lawler from Oak Flats High School and Balarang Public Scool are two of 10 dedicated teachers, community leaders and schools to win an award this year.

Lee was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Staff Member and Aunty Lindy was awarded Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Community Member.

A proud Dharawal man, Lee said he was blown away when he learnt he had received the award for his ‘Deadly Dharawals’ program.

“I get up every morning and do what I love; I love working with kids, sharing culture and art; I couldn’t ask for a better job,” he said.

“When I was a student at Koonawarra Public School in the 1980s I can’t recall doing any sort of cultural things on an everyday basis.

“Now through storytelling, art and connecting to Country I’m trying to make change for the better to bring us all together.”

Lee’s influence has extended to staff and the wider school community.

He has led professional learning workshops on yarning circles, reflection sticks, language and acknowledgement of Country, and given teachers at Koonawarra Public School the confidence to incorporate these elements into their daily teaching practices.

“Having the support of our principal and deputy principal has made my job a lot easier,” he said.

“In the future I hope this is second nature, knowing who we are, where we come from, where we’re going, sharing our culture and closing the gap, all living and sharing as one on this country we live on.”

A survivor of the Stolen Generation, Aunty Lindy Lawler works tirelessly to support young Aboriginal people in the Shellharbour community.

Aunty Lindy began her career as a passionate advocate for education when her grandchildren started school.

She began going to meetings and NAIDOC events, and now leads lessons in Aboriginal art, personalised learning pathways, and weaving workshops.

“My twin sister and I never had an education,” she said.

“We would watch out the window in the orphanage, watch other children go to school and we weren’t allowed.

“It’s wonderful that today’s kids have the chance to have education behind them and improve their future when they leave school.”

She not only delivers and supports Aboriginal education at local schools, she also works with numerous organisations including the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service, Shellharbour Council, the United Koori Social Club, Wollongong Cultural Centre and the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society in Shellharbour.

Just a couple of days after she was awarded Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Community Member, Aunty Lindy was also recognised by the Lake Illawarra Police for her commitment to supporting young people.

“It’s beyond my wildest dreams, especially when it’s an ‘outstanding’,” she said.

“I love that word, ‘outstanding’. I’ve waited a long time.

“I want kids out there to do the same. Never give up on your dreams; you have to work on it and make it happen.

“It’s not always easy but I love doing it; I love being with my grandchildren and all the children at the school mean a lot to me.”