Celebrating the Best of NSW Public Education in the Illawarra and South Coast

Illawarra and South Coast students, teachers and their parents have been acknowledged for outstanding achievements and contributions to public education at the 2026 Public Education Awards, held at Sydney Town Hall on Monday 3 August. 

Bomaderry High School, Jerrabomberra High School, Kiama Public School, Mulwaree High School, Vincentia High School, Windang Public School, received an award across multiple categories. 

Of note, the Public School Parent and Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Sabrina Kelly at Kiama Public School, recognising her exceptional dedication and impact on her whole school community.  

Meanwhile, Nathan Ross from Bomaderry High School 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. 

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’.  

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," he said.