Supporting student potential through HPGE and Nanga Mai
The NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is committed to ensuring every Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student and learner is known, valued and cared for throughout their education journey. In 2025, the My Future, My Culture, My Way campaign focuses on the importance of identifying and supporting high potential Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students through High potential and gifted education (HPGE) and recognising these achievements at the Nanga Mai awards.
By fostering strong cultural connections, community involvement and tailored support, we believe every student is capable of successfully reaching their potential and aspiring for excellence through their learning, with confidence and pride in their Culture.
Why this matters
High potential and gifted education (HPGE) ensures that students with high potential are identified early and provided with opportunities to excel through their school. For Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, this means recognising unique strengths across these domains and supporting these students to realise their aspirations while also nurturing their culture and identity.
From personalised learning pathways to extension programs and scholarships, high potential and gifted education plays an important role in ensuring Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are seen, celebrated and supported to thrive while at school and being inspired to pursue excellence.
When Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are supported early, given access to enriching programs and recognised for their success:
they develop confidence, high aspirations and stronger educational pathways.
their achievements become visible to peers, schools and communities. Reinforcing that excellence is possible and celebrated.
cultural identity is integrated, honored and used as a foundation for growth.
these opportunities lay the groundwork for the future in leadership, creativity, STEM, community development and more.
Learn more about High potential and gifted education (HPGE)
What are the Nanga Mai Awards?
With this year marking the 20th celebration of the Nanga Mai awards, we recognise this significant milestone that has been at the forefront of the department in highlighting the achievements of our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, educators and communities.
The Nanga Mai awards recognise excellence in Aboriginal education across NSW, honouring students, staff and community who make outstanding contributions.
for students, awards highlight achievements in leadership, academics, culture, creativity or community service.
being nominated or receiving a Nanga Mai award is a public affirmation: your work, your identity, your culture and your effort matter.
the awards elevate role models and inspire younger students to see themselves as future leaders.
Over the years, the Nanga Mai awards have recognised Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, educators and communities who have made outstanding contributions to education in NSW, going on to be changemakers and leaders in their chosen fields.
Discover more about the NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Nanga Mai awards
Meet the students part of My Future, My Culture, My Way 2025
Physical domain – Taimana Elers
From sporting champion to school leader, Taimana has been supported through high potential and gifted education at Hunter Sports High School and celebrated through the Nanga Mai awards for athletic and cultural excellence, inspiring other students to succeed in their sporting achievements.
Read more about Taimana's story here
Creative domain – Penelope Towney
A young cultural storyteller, Penelope is using language, media and art to keep Culture thriving. Nurtured through creative opportunities by her school and broader community and acknowledged by winning a Nanga Mai award for her talent in public speaking, Penelope is reinventing how stories can be shared.
Read more about Penelope's story here
Intellectual domain – Jax McGivern-Picken
Jax is a Year 5 student who is excelling in coding and mathematics. Engaged in advanced STEM programs from his early schooling, Jax has been recognised with a Nanga Mai award for excellence in intellectual pursuits and demonstrating to others to follow their aspirations.
Read more about Jax's story here
Social-emotional domain – Lakiah Chatfield
Year 11 student, Lakiah, holds a passion for supporting and mentoring others through her learning and writing endeavors. Lakiah models this in her community, empowering other young people to know that their voice is heard and feel confident to succeed with their own self-belief.
Read more about Lakiah's story here
How you can get involved
For students
Every Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student has unique strengths, talents and ways of learning. High potential and gifted education and the Nanga Mai awards are here to make sure your abilities are recognised, supported and celebrated.
Getting involved starts with asking questions and being open to opportunities. Speak with your teacher, Aboriginal ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Officer or gifted education coordinator about what’s available in your school. This might mean:
taking part in extension or enrichment classes in areas where you’re already excelling.
putting your hand up for leadership roles, such as student representative council, Junior AECG or mentoring younger students.
joining creative, intellectual, leadership or sporting programs that extend your skills and allow you to share your culture.
creating your own projects that combine what you love with your cultural identity, whether it’s making a video, coding an app or performing through art or music.
Being a high achiever doesn’t mean leaving culture behind. It means carrying culture with you as you succeed and using it as a source of strength. If you’ve achieved something you’re proud of, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, through creativity or in your community, you can also be nominated for a Nanga Mai award. These awards celebrate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and staff across NSW and show your peers, your family and the wider community that your effort and culture are important.
For schools & educators
Schools and educators have one of the greatest opportunities to shape the way Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students see themselves. By using the high education and gifted education framework, you can ensure high potential and gifted Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are identified early, nurtured and challenged.
Getting involved means embedding high potential and gifted education principles into everyday practice:
look closely for signs of high potential in your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. This may show up in leadership skills, creativity, resilience, cultural knowledge or problem-solving, not just in academic results.
provide enrichment and extension programs that encourage students to deepen their knowledge and explore their talents.
collaborate with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff, AEOs and the local AECG to ensure programs are culturally responsive, respectful, and strengths-based.
encourage students to believe in themselves as high achievers. Positive affirmation can be powerful in shifting how students view their own capabilities.
nominate students for the Nanga Mai awards. Recognition at this level doesn’t just inspire individual students, it strengthens the whole school community by celebrating Aboriginal achievement.
As an educator, your belief in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students’ potential can be the turning point that empowers them to set higher goals and see themselves as leaders of the future.
For families & carers
Families are the first and most important teachers. Parents, carers, grandparents and extended family play a critical role in encouraging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to embrace opportunities and believe in their potential.
Getting involved means staying connected with your child’s school and supporting their growth:
ask about high potential and gifted education opportunities offered in your child’s school. These might include extension activities, leadership opportunities, creative projects or specialist pathways. Encourage your child to take part.
celebrate your child’s achievements. Whether it’s a good result, leadership at school or cultural contribution. Your recognition at home builds confidence that carries into the classroom.
support your child if they are nominated for a Nanga Mai award. Attending the ceremony as a family shows them that their achievements matter and that the community stands with them.
strengthen cultural identity at home. Share stories, connect with Elders, speak language if possible and celebrate culture alongside education. This balance of school and culture builds pride and resilience.
advocate for your child by working in partnership with their teachers and Aboriginal ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Officers. If your child has unique needs or cultural responsibilities, your voice ensures these are respected.
When Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are supported at home and recognised at school, they are more likely to thrive, stay motivated and achieve their full potential. Your encouragement and pride are a foundation for their success.
Resources & links
NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø HPGE policy & implementation
NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Nanga Mai awards
Aboriginal ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Consultative Group (AECG)
AIATSIS – curriculum & cultural resources
AITSL – cultural responsiveness in education
Gifted education networks
Pathways and learning