The inaugural program of ASG Community Merit Awards, presented in conjunction with Local Governments throughout Australia recognised 88 teachers in 2004. Complementing the ASG National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) were additional awards made to teachers nominated by parents and school communities for their excellence in teaching.
NEiTA is a community initiative of ASG, the Australian Scholarships Group Friendly Society, an organisation which for over 30 years has assisted parents, grandparents and their families to plan to provide for their children’s and grandchildren’s future education.
Awardees were drawn from over 2,900 nominations nationally and selected for their meritorious contribution to school and local communities. Many were instrumental in leading the participation of their schools, preschools, and kindergartens in community events, festivals and environmental projects. Others were innovative in programs and teaching practices which brought recognition not only to their schools but also to their local communities.
Mayors and Councillors from over 50 shires and cities presented ASG awards to teachers at school assemblies, community events and council meetings held from March to July.
In 2005, the NEiTA Foundation plans to open nominations for the next round of national excellence in teaching awards in February and to include new criteria recognising community contributions, citizenship and service. Nominations can be made from next March through the web site – www.neita.com
Community Medal Winners
ACT – Kathy Anderson, Dr Norman Hughes.
QLD – Leanne Cureton, Bryan Dobson, Sharon Dwyer, Tracey Fox, Jeanne Jenkins, Matthew Jorgensen, Trish Mason, Bianca Murphy, Alison Reaney, Mark Seijbel, Heather Smith, Sue Vonthien, Vivienne Walsh.
NSW – Karen Ahearn, Bronwyn Beard, Gabrielle Connell, Megan Crossley, Linda Davis, Carole Duvall, Joseph El-Khoury, Kate Foley, Lynette Gowing, Maria Hitchcock, Tracey Hughes-Butters, Dr Bryan Maher, Marie Jaobsen, Michael Larkin, Truus Muelenbroeks, Gwen Meyer, Debbie Milligan, Maria Portas, Phillip Rich, Jenny Scheffers, Naomi Shacham, Annette Shea, Tricia Siddins, Beverley Steele, Liina Sullivan, Sandra Thompson, Russell, Tredinnick, Leanne Wakefield, Daniel Wilson.
NT – Pamela Dixon, Ann Tan.
SA – Jody Burton, Helen Castle, Deborah George, Elizabeth Makris, Sally Martin, Tammy Schinckel, Marg Underwood, Anita Zocchi.
Tas – Sally Innes-Wayling, Sarah Livingston, Kaye Peterson.
VIC – Elizabeth Bandy, Bernadette Barlow, Helena Cattanach, Georgina Childs, Gayle Cope, Emilia Dawson, Linda Dabley, Susan Dixon, Michael Dolan, Clinton Foster, Barbara Hosken, Joan Murray, Bernie O’Keefe, Veronica Pederson, Gary Prasad, Fiona Roberts, Andrew Spinks, Georgie Jorgensen, Colin Wight.
WA – Katrina Burns, Vanessa Cooke, Judith Farquhar, Mark Gargano, Sharon Gooding, Lesley Griffiths, Sheila Hay, Lois Hill, Gail Robson, Onah Lawn, Frank Ruggera, Maria Schafer.
For further information please visit www.asg.com.au
