College Awards Ceremony 

Kurnai College recently held its 2025 College Awards Ceremony, a wonderful occasion to recognise the hard work, dedication, and achievements of students throughout the year. The event brought together students, families, and friends for a day of celebration, reflection, and inspiration.

The day began with a BBQ lunch in the University campus courtyard, where students and families gathered before heading down to the Federation University Auditorium for the official proceedings. The ceremony was a true reflection of Kurnai College’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and cultural respect.

The proceedings kicked off with a powerful performance by the Deedlee Dancers, setting the tone for a culturally rich and vibrant event. Koorie Education Support Officer, Hollie Johnson – a proud GunaiKurnai and Monaro Ngarigo woman – commenced the ceremony with a heartfelt Welcome to Country in her grandparents’ native language, on behalf of the Brayakaulung clan of the GunaiKurnai Nation.

Following this, Kurnai College student Jack Cai-Mills and Matilda Freeman performed the Acknowledgement of Country, with Louise Potts signing in Auslan. The Kurnai College Choir then took to the stage, delivering a stunning rendition of the National Anthem, further adding to the pride of the occasion.

The Deedlee Dancers returned for another performance, delighting the audience with traditional dances, including Mungemagebungdula, and Naanaa Nukindhere. These performances showcased the richness of the GunaiKurnai culture, creating a powerful and memorable moment for all.

College Principal Anthony Rodaghaun then delivered the College Principal’s Address, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of both students and staff over the past year. School Council President, Jason Phillips, also shared his words of encouragement and praise for the college community.

The awards segment of the ceremony was a highlight of the afternoon, with Harriet Shing, Member for South Eastern Victoria, offering a few words before assisting in handing out the PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) awards, which she proudly sponsors.

Students were recognised for their outstanding achievements in academics, community involvement, and attitude towards school. The ceremony also featured recaps from the School Captains, who shared highlights from the events held across the three campuses throughout the year. To cap off the afternoon, a musical performances from the talented Darnell Murray provided a beautiful and uplifting soundtrack to the celebration, along with the short storiy readings from Kara Phillips and Skylah Russell.

Before presenting the Dux awards, guest speaker Rhys Pangatorus, a past Kurnai College student, owner and Shine Pro Automative Detailing in Traralgon, addressed the audience. Rhys encouraged students to try different thinfs, exploretheir passions, make mistakes and follow the things that give them genuine satisfaction.  

A heartfelt congratulations goes to all our award winners across the college. Your outstanding achievements this year are a testament to your hard work and perseverance. We also extend our sincere thanks to our community sponsors, whose generous support helped make the event a success. Your contributions play a vital role in recognising and encouraging the dedication of our students.

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this special day. Your presence made the event even more memorable, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Dux

The highest award a school can bestow on a student is the overall award for academic excellence – the Award of Dux.

PSB Awards

Presented by Harriet Shing, Member of South Eastern Victoria

The Learning Community of Kurnai College is supported by four pillars: work ethic, engagement, relationships and excellence. At Kurnai College, we believe these values lead to success both at school and in the community. The recipients of the four pillar awards upheld the values expected in at least one of the four pillars. 

Work Ethic

Engagement

Relationships

Excellence

School Awards

Sports Award 

Presented by College Sports Coordinator, Rachel Dodd

Sponsored by Totally Workwear & Century Inn

This award is presented to a student from each campus who has demonstrated the College’s 4 Pillars whilst representing the school at numerous sporting events.

Hands-on Learning Award

Presented by Barb Harvey & HOL Coordinators, Wayne Cramp & Ryan Harvey

Sponsored Bunnings Warehouse 

This award is presented to a student in the  Hands On Learning program who constantly shows a strong work ethic. They are dependable and self-motivated whilst constantly displaying a positive attitude. These recipients are recognised as team players, are flexible, and consistently adhere to strict occupational health and safety standards.

Music Scholarships

Presented by College Music Coordinator, Chris Gretton

This award is given to the student who has shown dedication to their work and instrument. The student comes prepared for class, participates, and displays a positive attitude towards music and learning.

Technology Award

Sponsored and presented by National Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron MP 

This awards is presented to a student who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, engagement and growth across the Technology learning areas, including Wood Technology, Metalwork, Information Technology and Food Technology. This award recognises students who embody the values of effort, craftsmanship, innovation and a commitment to developing skills that prepare them for future vocational opportunities.

Art Awards

Presented by General Victorian State Manager from The Smith Family, Anoth Lecschen

Sponsored by Atleir Art Supplies 

These awards celebrate our students' talent, creativity, and dedication in the Arts and Design fields. 

Art Acquisition 

Kurnai College also acknowledged outstanding commitment to the arts through an art acquisition program, purchasing amazing art pieces to display across the college.

MAtilda's five panels, “The Journey”, represent the journey from the mountains to the sea and the connection between people and places. It's an enduring connection to Country, linking past, present and future.

Community Awards

Morwell Lions Club Community & Leadership Awards

Presented by Morwell Lions Club President, Alice Foster

This award is presented to a student who is community minded, demonstrates leadership qualities and a commitment to working within their local community.

Churchill & District John Tipping Academic Awards

Presented by Churchill & District Lions Club Member, David Lyne

This award is presented to a student who is dedicated to their ongoing education, excel through hard work and resilience in the face of challenges, and is a positive role models to their peers. These awards honour not just talent but the determination and strength that drive success and inspire others within our learning community.

AMPOL All Rounder Award

Presented by Churchill Campus Principal, Reece Malcolmson & Morwell Campus Principal, Dan Swallow

This award recognises students for their leadership qualities and commitment across a range of activities, both in their studies and on behalf of others.  

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Award

Presented by Churchill Campus Principal, Reece Malcolmson & Morwell Campus Principal, Dan Swallow

The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is a two-year academic enrichment program run by The University of Melbourne, designed to support high-achieving, ambitious Year 10 students living regionally. The recipient of this award is in the top 5% of their year level for academic performance and has clearly demonstrated leadership, active citizenship, and community involvement.

Hazelwood Rotary Best All-Rounder Awards 

Presented by School Council President, Jason Phillips

The recipient of this award demonstrates dedication to their learning in all areas.  

Rotary Club of Morwell Academic Scholarships Awards 

Presented by Rotary Club of Morwell President, Danny Dowling

Bill Walker Memorial Scholarship

Presented by Rotary Club of Morwell President, Danny Dowling

This scholarship is to ensure that the recipient fulfills their educational expectations based on their academic ability.

Melina Bath Resilience  Award

Sponsored and presented by National Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath MP

This award is presented to a student who always gives 110% to their studies, shows up daily and demonstrates dedication to their learning. 

ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award

Presented by Morwell RSL Committee Member, Bayne Hart

The Long Tan Award recognises students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader community and who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and ‘mateship’ – values considered integral to both the Australian Defence Force and Australian Society.

ADF Future Innovators Award

Presented by Morwell RSL Committe Member, Bayne Hart

This award recognises the recipients’ science and mathematics abilities while highlighting the value the Navy, Army and Air Force place on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities within Defence.

Morwell RSL Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop Award 

Presented by Morwell RSL Committe Member, Bayne Hart

The ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award is named in honour of the Australian surgeon and war hero, Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, and is given to a student who demonstrates a strong work ethic and dedication to his studies.

Mining & Energy Union Scholarship 

Presented by University Campus Principal, Matt Jobling

This scholarship is awarded to a person who shows dedication to improving themselves and continues to focus on their studies. 

Darren Chester Civics & Citizenship Award

Presented by University Campus Principal, Matt Jobling

This award is given to a student who demonstrates leadership qualities and a strong commitment to their community and schooling. 

University Campus Awards

VET Awards

Presented by VET Coordinator, Sarah Pedlow & Campus Principal, Matt Jobling

Year 12 VCE VM Subject Awards

Presented by University Campus Principal, Matt Jobling

Year 12 VCE Subject Awards

Presented by VCE Coordinator, Michael Eastham & Campus Principal, Matt Jobling