Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples’ History in Schools

Nominations Now Open

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples’ History in Schools.

The prize could be awarded to an individual student, a group of students or a class in years F-10 for a project that focusses on Australian First Peoples. Students, groups or classes will be nominated by their educators or Koori Engagement Support Officer as appropriate.

To be eligible, nominees must be undertaking their schooling in Victoria.

The prize will be awarded on the basis of substance, engagement and creativity. We highly regard applications that can outline the value of the project and highlight its impact, though this is not a requirement.

Examples of possible projects include:

• School gardening program that follows a First Nations’ seasonal calendar and weather knowledge.
• Projects that focus on First Peoples’ lives and events.
• Exploration of school’s activities around Reconciliation.

 The prize will be awarded at the discretion of the judging panel. 

To Apply

Complete the nomination form below and submit it by 17:00 AEST 21 August.

To complete the nomination form you will need to supply:

• project name
• contact details
• a statement explaining why this project deserves this recognition
• a digital or hard copy of the project or, if that is not possible, a detailed description and samples (up to 5 files can be uploaded).

If you have any enquiries please email

Resources

Possible resources can be found here: 

Aboriginal Change Makers Y7-10 resource

NAIDOC Educational Resources

VAEAI Resources

About the Prize

The Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples’ History in Schools was established by Professor Lynette Russell AM to encourage the creative engagement and deeper knowledge of a wider number of primary and secondary school students in this area.

The prize is awarded based on a project that displays knowledge, engagement and creativity, taking into consideration the year level of the student/s. The project submitted may take any form: written, visual, digital or performative. It may be a project or work completed in class or outside of class as an additional activity.

The prize will be administered by a judging panel of three members with expertise in education and appointed by the Board of the HCV, consisting of a Board member as chair and including at least one First Nations person. The decision of the panel will be final.

The prize will consist of a cash payment of $500 and a certificate. The use of the prize will be determined by the teacher or Koori Engagement Support Officer, as appropriate, in consultation with students.

Winners will also be recognised with acknowledgement via the HCV’s publications and social media, and a year-long membership of the Friends of the HCV. 

Past Winners

2025: Chewton Primary School [read more]

2024: (joint winners) Briar Hill Primary School, Clifton Hill Primary School [read more]

2023:  Bairnsdale West Primary School [read more]

The HCV welcomes enquiries from individuals and organisations that wish to sponsor awards and prizes in areas relating to history and the work of historians. 

The HCV also welcomes donations at any time. All contributions help to support our work towards achieving our cultural purposes. Donations over $2 are deductible for Australian tax-payers.