newy.com.au – Lambton High School captain Scarlett Smith has won the Outstanding All Round Student (Secondary) award at the 2026 Nanga Mai Awards, recognising her academic achievement, student leadership and cultural commitment.
Scarlett was one of 26 winners across 19 categories recognised at the NSW Department of Education’s Parramatta office on Wednesday 4 November. Now in their 21st year, the awards celebrate excellence in Aboriginal education across NSW.
The awards announcement highlighted Scarlett’s work in student representation through her roles as school captain and on the Student Representative Council and Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. She also mentors emerging student leaders.
Her achievements include NSW Youth Community Service, NAIDOC and ADF Long Tan awards, alongside other honours for academic performance, cultural commitment and leadership.
Almost 600 nominations were submitted across NSW. Ten regional panels reviewed the submissions before a state panel determined the finalists.
Recipients included students recognised for academic achievement, public speaking, performing arts and sport, as well as teachers, community leaders and education staff recognised for their contributions to Aboriginal education.
NSW Department of Education secretary Murat Dizdar said: “Each award recipient represents not only individual talent, determination and excellence, but also the strength of the families, communities and educators who walk alongside them, nurture their aspirations and help create the opportunities for them to thrive.”
The ceremony also honoured the late Darren Bell, a Ngunnawal man who helped establish the Nanga Mai Awards and dedicated more than 25 years to public education in NSW.
Awards were also presented to Uncle Vic Chapman, a Yuwaalaraay Elder and one of the state’s first Aboriginal principals, and Merv Donovan, a Gumbaynggirr man from Bowraville whose service to Aboriginal education and community spans almost five decades.
