Lynette Russell Prize Winner 2025

Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples’ History in Schools

Winner 2025

Chewton Primary School  

In a field of strong entries, Chewton Primary School’s stuck out as an incredibly complex and impactful project. This project had placed authentic and meaningful relationships with the local Dja Dja Wurrung stakeholders at the centre, with extensive and ongoing support from many Elders and key figures in the community. Their focus is not just on the content within the curriculum but also the context beyond the curriculum. This was evidenced by having a large number of local community members participating in the school’s reconciliation walk and an ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

The multi-year nature of this project and the ongoing growth of this event is a testament to the continued commitment and focus of Chewton Primary School. This includes continued connection to and focus on academic engagement with and outcomes from First Peoples content in the classroom.

Chewton has provided an exceptional example of the high quality learning and community engagement opportunities available when committing to decolonising the classroom and working in partnership with local Dja Dja Wurrung and Koorie stakeholders. This is to be celebrated.

Chewton Primary School Principal Bernadette McKenna (left) accepts the prize certificate from the History Council of Victoria’s Deputy Chair, Margaret Anderson, at the annual lecture and awards night October 2025.

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