Community
8 August, 2026
Southern Tablelands high school teacher awarded for excellence
Mulwaree High School in Goulburn has been recognised for their acheivements at the 2026 Public Education Awards held at the Sydney Town Hall last Monday night (August 3).
Mulwaree High School in Goulburn has been recognised for their acheivements at the 2026 Public Education Awards held at the Sydney Town Hall last Monday night (August 3).
Headteacher - Pathways Michelle Randall received the Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching Award on the night.
The school was acknowledged alongside other regional schools such as Bomaderry High School, Jerrabomberra High School (Queanbeyan), Kiama Public School, Vincentia High School and Windang Public School, all of whom received awards across multiple categories.
Bomaderry High School’s Nathan Ross was awarded the Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement.
The Public Education Awards celebrate the inspiring achievements, innovative ideas, and dedicated service that are shaping the future of public education across NSW.
“Michelle is a fabulous team member of the MHS staff,” Mulwaree High School Principal, Sally Curry told The Southern Wire.
“Michelle is an outstanding educator and leader whose dedication to student pathways has had a significant impact on the Mulwaree community.
“As Head Teacher - Pathways, she consistently creates opportunities for students through work experience, school-based traineeships, White Card courses, career expos, university partnerships and individual mentoring.
“She is deeply committed to ensuring every student feels supported to pursue meaningful post-school opportunities, whether through university, employment, apprenticeships or further training.
“Michelle's strong relationships with students, families, businesses and community organisations have strengthened school and industry connections while showcasing the positive impact of public education.”
The awards night came on the opening day of Public Education Week 2026, with public schools across the State already celebrating this year's theme ‘Inspiring Excellence’.
Also, as part of Public Education Week 2026, an exhibition from local public schools across the Southern Highlands officially opened yesterday afternoon from 4pm in the atrium of the Wingecarribee Shire Council in Moss Vale, and runs through until August 27.
Secretary of the NSW Department of Education Murat Dizdar said the awards recognised the extraordinary stories of achievement unfolding in public schools every day.
“Inspiring excellence starts with the people who show up for our students every day," Mr. Dizdar said.
"Teaching is one of the few professions where success is measured by the success of others. I’m proud these Awards recognise that.”
The winners from across NSW were selected in the following categories:
- Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement;
- Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching Award;
- Secretary's Award for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging;
- Secretary's Living Our Values Award;
- Secretary's Award for Excellent Service;
- Secretary's Award for Outstanding School Achievement;
- Public School Parent and Volunteer of the Year Award;
- Alumni of the Year; and
- Public Education Advocate of the Year.
Award citations can be found on the Public Education Foundation (PEF) website at www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au.
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