Nita Dixon - Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers

Nita is an integral part of Columba College, showing care and empathy to all members of the community. She has acted with integrity for over 15 years, often giving freely of her time to support students and staff. Nita is an integral part of why students shine at Columba, and is the first to lend a hand when it's needed. She is a pillar of knowledge and understanding, deserving of the recognition bestowed upon her.

Terrina Muston - Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers

Terrina is a dedicated servant leader, providing high levels of medical and pastoral care to Columba's students and families. She generously gives her time beyond her role to ensure all are supported, and communicates with families to ensure continuity of care. She is a deserving recipient of the award, making a difference through seen and unseen actions.

Gemma Kyle - Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa

Gemma Kyle is an inspirational teacher. Her passion for Inclusive Education and supporting Indigenous students has been demonstrated in her Middle Leader roles. She makes sure every student has the scaffolding, modifications, and tools needed to succeed regardless of their abilities. She works tirelessly for the wellbeing of staff, with an emphasis on the wellbeing framework of Townsville Catholic Education.

Amber Wise - Good Shepherd Catholic School, Rasmussen

Amber Wise has been a Good Shepherd Catholic School parent for nine years, volunteering her time and resources to build strong relationships with families and staff. She is also an active member of the school and Indigenous Education Advisory Committees and was recently recognised for her efforts. Amber is very humble and generous and is the first to volunteer. The school community is grateful for her engagement and recognise her for her contribution.

Penny Hickey - Marian Catholic School, Currajong

Penny Hickey has been a part of the Marian Catholic School community for over two decades, initially as a parent and now as School Officer Student Support. She is an active member of the School Board, is a past member of the Parents and Friends Association, volunteers regularly, runs a Breakfast Club and is the Adopt-a-Cowboy liaison. Penny's friendly, caring nature and commitment to the students and school community is truly exemplary and embodies the school motto of 'To Strive for Love and Peace'.

Bernice Falconieri - Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Ingham

Bernice Falconieri has been nominated in recognition of her strong commitment to excellence in education and her dedication to a compassionate, inclusive environment for all students. She has implemented tailored support programs and activities for students with disabilities, and has established strong connections with Indigenous families to promote understanding and respect. Her years of service and devotion to Catholic Education have been greatly appreciated by the school community.

Ken Theodore - Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan

Ken is an invaluable member of the Ryan school community, always encouraging problem solving skills and looking out for the mental health and wellbeing of staff. He gives generously of his time to mentor and guide beginning teachers, and volunteer his time for various church-related activities. Ken's faith and action are appreciated by the staff and students.

Leonie Bonke - Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan

Leonie is a long serving staff member of 19 years, respected by students, staff and parents. She puts in extra time to train students for swimming, athletics, and AFL and has built the AFL academy up from the ground. She is known for her organisational skills and strong bonds with new staff members, and for helping students with diverse needs.

Jill Paganoni - Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale

Jill is a dedicated and compassionate person committed to enhancing the community through her gifts and wisdom. She is a fantastic first aid officer, capable of maintaining calmness and empathy even in high-pressure situations. Her presence brings reassurance and comfort to those who need it most. Jill is a blessing!

Amelia Burrows - St Anthony’s Catholic College, Deeragun

Amelia is an asset to the St Anthony's college community, exemplifying its Catholic identity through her involvement in her parish community and support of students through initiatives such as organising and running Children's Church and starting a Chess club. She is always willing to help out and her presence enhances the education and wellbeing of our students.

Greg Hay - St Anthony’s Catholic College, Deeragun

Greg has been the College Bus Driver for many years and is beloved by the college community. He is always happy to help out, knows all the students by name and is an embodiment of the college's Franciscan charism. He treats all he encounters with respect, dignity and love and is always a friendly presence around the college.

Aleesha Rockemer - St Benedict’s Catholic School, Shaw

Aleesha has shown excellent leadership and integrity in initiatives across our school such as Learning Spaces, 4C's, PLC's and eProjects. She has built trust and collaboration amongst the team and changed the culture to be more student-focused with the understanding that being collaborative is more beneficial for everyone's productivity and wellbeing. Her understanding of working with others and recognising the needs of students has been a great asset to the school as it has made learning more accessible and helped create an inclusive community. Her commitment to bringing positive change to our school has been invaluable.

Aimee Mitchell - St Catherine’s Catholic College, The Whitsundays

Aimee is a former student, and passionate supporter of St Catherine’s and has created various community events, and regularly promotes our students' successes via the local news publications and social media. Aimee's professional, humble and motivated attitude is an asset to the school, community and Catholic Education in general. She is an incredible ambassador, mentor and encourager.

Naomi Dollisson - St Clare’s Catholic School, Burdell

Naomi has been nominated in recognition of her significant contributions to enhancing St Clare's Catholic School's faith identity. She leads Christian Meditation sessions and assists with liturgy celebrations, creating a more peaceful and prayerful atmosphere. She is part of the school's Enhancing Catholic School Identity Team to ensure authentic and enriching experiences. Her presence serves as an inspiring example of personal faith in action.

Shalon Gibson - St Colman’s Catholic School, Home Hill

Shalon demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and a willingness to support and help others. She has been organising the Debutante Ball for many years as well as attending working bees and social functions, displaying Christian values in all her dealings with the community. Her friendly personality has also helped to bring families to the school.

Katrina Rainbow - St Francis Catholic School, Ayr

Katrina Rainbow is a much-loved presence at the school where she works as a School Officer. She is an involved parent and is known for her gentle and caring nature and her work ethic. She is positively acknowledged for her support of students, teachers and the wider school community, both inside and outside the school. Katrina's positive actions and her own Christ-centeredness provide a model for us all to follow.

Lucy Eriksen - St Francis Catholic School, Hughenden

Lucy is an exceptional leader whose collaborative and empathetic approach to community building has driven significant positive changes. She has established open lines of communication, built relationships, and empowered individuals to create real, sustainable long-term growth. Through her devotion to fair and ethical practices, she has fostered a stronger sense of community pride, unity, and collective responsibility.

Emily McDonald - St John Bosco Catholic School, Collinsville

Emily McDonald is an invaluable asset to St John Bosco Catholic School. She has been a self-motivated and kind employee for 16 years, engaging with the community and always ready to help. Emily is generous and has a big heart and a cheery disposition, and is a proud mum who supported her son through his schooling and university life. She is an active member of the parish community and a valuable staff member of the school.

Shelley Curry - St Joseph’s Catholic School, Cloncurry

Shelley has been a key member of the St Joseph's Catholic School community for 7 years, and thanks to her work the school now has new eating tables, a sound system and drop-down screens. Her efforts to improve the school have enabled students to have better facilities and teachers to have better resources. She has also improved the parish, creating a better environment for mass and liturgy. We are grateful for the dedication Shelley has given to the school and parish.

Lyn Osman has been part of the St Joseph's Catholic School and Parish communities in Mount Isa for the past 25 years. She is actively involved in the school and parish events and provides a caring mother-figure to the staff and children. She is the epitome of the school's motto – Love, Learn and Serve.

Cindy Collinson - St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra

Cindy works with the school and wider community to run cultural activities, and sources resources to enhance learning in the area of indigenous education. She also organises meaningful liturgies and prayers, and donates her time and efforts to school activities and events. Cindy genuinely cares about the students she works with, and is well respected by both the school and wider community.

Olivia Roveglia - St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand

Olivia is an exemplary Catholic role model, who actively lives out the school's Mercy values on a daily basis. She is an important member of the school and parish communities, providing individualised support, guidance and care to students, colleagues and parents. Olivia is an enthusiastic volunteer, always willing to help out when needed.

Catherine Baird - St Margaret Mary’s College, Hyde Park

Cathy has been a member of the Townsville Catholic Education community for two decades, and joined St Margaret Mary's College in 2018. As a teacher, she instills care and compassion in both her students and staff. She demonstrates the value of being purposeful in the service of others by her Pastoral Care Group initiatives, her generous hospitality, and providing a safe and welcoming learning environment. Her students and colleagues are always uplifted by her genuine demonstration of service to others.

Katherine Olsen, Christie Sinclair, Alyse Howard, Krystal Stevens and Melanie Mein - The Student Protection Team at Townsville Catholic Education 

With a combined 67 years of experience in the field of child protection. The Student Protection Team promote the wellbeing and safety of children in the region and provide students and schools with support that is child and family focused. The team is dedicated and always willing to help, remaining optimistic and solution focussed in difficult circumstances. Their passion and commitment to this service is unwavering.

Gail Laffin - Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan

Gail's work across different roles in the Townsville diocese, Mt Isa, and internationally has resulted in improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This has included developing educational resources, establishing Family Support groups, and researching and presenting globally on Culturally Responsive Pedagogies. Gail is a mentor and role model to many and embodying 'Blak Excellence'. Her ongoing and quiet achievements in Indigenous Education have had a lasting and positive impact on multiple individuals, families, and communities.

Gail not only got nominated for this award, but is the official recipient of the Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award and will be recognised at the state presentation during Catholic Education Week. Congratulations!