CatholicCare Tas Principal Aboriginal Consultant Wins Award

Photo caption: CatholicCare Tasmania Principal Aboriginal Consultant Alarna Page.

CatholicCare Tasmania Principal Aboriginal Consultant Alarna Page has been honoured for her dedication to advancing education and fostering cultural diversity.

Alarna accepted the Keith Tronc Award for Outstanding Teacher Leadership at a National Awards Ceremony in Adelaide, presented by the Australian Council for Education Leaders (ACEL).

The award is given annually to an early career teacher who has demonstrated outstanding practice in the classroom, making a significant difference to colleagues and the lives of students in their care. 

Alarna said receiving the award was a deeply humbling experience.

“It recognises the dedication I have put into fostering cultural inclusivity and reconciliation in education while affirming the importance of integrating Aboriginal perspectives into teaching and leadership,” she said.

“This award is not just about my work, it reflects the collective efforts of the many leaders and community members who have uplifted, supported, and encouraged me throughout my journey.”

Alarna began her career as a primary teacher for Catholic Education Tasmania, also working as an Aboriginal Key Teacher at two schools before accepting her current role at CatholicCare.

She implemented innovative programs integrating Aboriginal perspectives into the curriculum and passionately advocated for First Nations students.

At CatholicCare, Alarna leads initiatives impacting the organisation's 450 staff members and contributes to programs and services delivered to more than 11,500 clients in 2023. 

“I believe my role as Principal Aboriginal Consultant at CatholicCare Tasmania and my previous work as a primary school teacher and Aboriginal Key Teacher were central to receiving this award,” she said.

“I have led workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and community events—such as family camps and bush incursions to ensure that staff, students, and families engage meaningfully with Aboriginal cultures.

"These initiatives, along with my commitment to reconciliation in both educational and community service settings, have played a pivotal role in shaping my leadership journey, which this award recognises.”

Alarna said encouraging excellence in early career teachers is essential to building a future workforce that is both pedagogically strong and culturally aware.

“Teachers have the opportunity to adopt best practices in reconciliation and cultural awareness, ensuring they create inclusive environments that value diversity,” she explained.

“As educators, it is crucial to recognise our privilege and the power of our voices in shaping the next generation.”

Alarna will participate in a panel discussion at the upcoming ACEL conference, focusing on reimagining the future planet and envisioning change in the education sector.

“My discussion will highlight the importance of including Aboriginal perspectives, emphasising that while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up only 3 per cent of the Australian population, we need non-Aboriginal allies to work alongside us in co-designing a future that supports self-determination,” she said.

“The education system must continue to meet the physical, social, spiritual and cultural needs of children, while promoting truth-telling as an essential part of the learning process.”