As Gawura School has grown and evolved, from a Kindergarten to Year 6 school catering for First Nations students, to providing foundational pathways for students from Kindergarten all the way to Year 12, both its outstanding leaders and innovative approach to learning have been acknowledged and celebrated.
In 2020, Gawura School was named Australian School of the Year at the Australian Education Awards, with judges recognising the School’s innovative approach to First Nations education and its “wonderful almost unheard-of outcomes” for students.
Judges particularly acknowledged the strong integration of First Nations voice, culture and perspectives across both Gawura School and St Andrew’s Cathedral School, alongside the School’s demonstrated academic impact and evidence-based approach to learning.
Gawura School is also part of the The Waratah Project, a cross-sector initiative helping independent schools strengthen outcomes and wellbeing for First Nations students through culturally responsive education. Through this work, Gawura School continues to influence broader educational practice across Australia.
The School’s leadership has also received national and international recognition. In 2020, John Ralph, Head of Gawura School, received an Australian Council for Educational Leaders NSW Leadership Award for his contribution to education and student outcomes.
In 2022, co-founder Pastor Ray Minniecon received the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from The Most Reverend and Right Honourable, the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Juston Welby, recognising decades of leadership, advocacy and reconciliation work supporting First Nations people in Australia and internationally.
Together, these acknowledgements reflect the strength and long-term impact of this educational model and commitment to our First Nations students and communities.
St Andrew’s Cathedral School Foundation is proud to have supported Gawura School from its inception and to have seen the School and its students and alumni grow.
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Our History
Our first students started attending Gawura School on Gawura First Nations Scholarships in 2007 and then continued their pathways into St Andrew’s Cathedral School for the senior years and beyond.
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Success Stories
For nearly 20 years it’s been a delight to see our students discover their unique gifts, and pursue them, whether in a trade, a career in the arts, or in overseas study. Every story is different.
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Join Our Community
A Gawura First Nations Scholarship is about strength through connection – to Country, to Elders, to culture, to faith, and to high-quality contemporary learning led by expert teachers, mentors and you – volunteers who want to make a difference.
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