newy.com.au – Five Hunter students, a Merewether High School teacher and Cessnock High School have been honoured at the 2026 Public Education Awards.
The local recipients were recognised at Sydney Town Hall on Monday night for achievements spanning student leadership, teaching, academic growth and school engagement.
Callaghan College Jesmond Campus student Nashariah Reese received a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement for her academic record, community work and contribution to student leadership.
Nashariah has chaired the school’s Student Representative Council and organised a Young Leaders Conference attended by 75 students from across the Callaghan network of schools.
She also participates in the Newcastle Youth Council and was a regional finalist in the Lions Youth of the Year competition.
Four other Hunter students received the same award: Anisha Ranasinghe from Warners Bay High School, Georgia Young and Isobel Sillar from Lambton High School, and Tarini Musuwadi from Merewether High School.
Merewether High history teacher Gabrielle Borrelli received a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. She was recognised for her classroom teaching and work in curriculum, professional engagement and student advocacy.
Cessnock High School received a Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Achievement after recording growth in literacy and numeracy, improved HSC results and higher attendance.
The school was also recognised for stronger student wellbeing and engagement and a seventh-place NSW ranking for NAPLAN growth between Years 7 and 9.
The ceremony was held on the opening day of Public Education Week, which has the 2026 theme of “Inspiring Excellence”.
NSW Department of Education secretary Murat Dizdar said the awards recognised achievements across the state’s public schools.
“Inspiring excellence starts with the people who show up for our students every day,” he said.
“Teaching is one of the few professions where success is measured by the success of others. I’m proud these Awards recognise that.”
