22/07/2026
Winner South West NAIDOC Education Award sponsored by University Department of Rural Health South West - UDRH SW
Congratulations to Charmaine Collard, recipient of the South West NAIDOC Education Award.
Charmaine is a proud Wardandi Noongar educator whose dedication to language revitalisation, cultural leadership, and Aboriginal education continues to create lasting change for students, families, and future generations.
This award recognises Charmaine's outstanding commitment to strengthening Noongar language, culture, identity, and educational outcomes within the community.
Over the past four years as a Noongar Language Teacher at Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School, Charmaine has played a vital role in ensuring Noongar language continues to thrive. Beginning her educational journey as an Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO), Charmaine's dedication, perseverance, and passion for cultur supported her pathway to becoming a qualified language teacher.
Through her teaching, Charmaine has created opportunities for koolangas to develop confidence in speaking Noongar language and strengthen their connection to identity and culture. Her work extends beyond the classroom, with students proudly sharing their learning with families and communities, helping to reconnect generations and support cultural healing.
Charmaine's cultural leadership has reached beyond the local community, including representing Wardandi Noongar Boodja at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference n Education (WIPCE) in New Zealand, where she shared knowledge and experiences with Indigenous educators from around the world.
At Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School, Charmaine continues to support staff, students, and families by sharing cultural knowledge, mentoring others, and promoting respectful ways of working with Aboriginal communities. Her contribution to initiatives such as Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji (Two-Way Science) demonstrates her commitment to valuing Aboriginal knowledge systems and creating meaningful learning experiences where culture is at the centre of education.
Charmaine's impact is also reflected in the strong relationships she has built with families and the trust she has created within the community. Through her work in the ndilink program, she has helped establish welcoming pathways into education and supported children and families to feel connected, valued, and culturally safe.
A humble and inspiring leader, Charmaine continues to mentor AIEOs, language teachers, and young people. Through her teaching, sporting involvement, and community support, she encourages young people to be proud of who they are, embrace their culture, and believe in their potential.
Congratulations, Charmaine, on being named the South West NAIDOC Education Award winner. We celebrate your dedication, your leadership, and your incredible contribution to keeping Noongar language and culture strong for generations to come.
