We were delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, during the Catholic Education Week Dinner on Friday, 30 May.

These prestigious awards honour individuals and teams who exemplify the values and mission of Catholic education through their dedication, leadership, and service. Chosen from a remarkable group of 15 nominees across the Diocese, this year’s winners have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering faith, community, and excellence.

Congratulations to the following 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Winners –

Carmel Hanley, Lumen Christi Primary School Delacombe, Principal
Nominated for: SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

Chris Young, Catholic Education Ballarat, Team Leader: Payroll
Nominated for: COLLABORATIVE CULTURES

Jacinta Skilbeck (Director Faith & Mission), Natasha Cummings (Social Justice & Community Service Coordinator) & Natalie Elliot-Jackson (Learning Diversity Assistant), Emmanuel College Warrnambool
Nominated for: SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

Ned Baldwin, St Alipius Primary School Ballarat East, Maintenance and Garden Worker
Nominated for: SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

You can click on the name to read the full nomination.

Their contributions reflect the core principles of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035—Deeper Collaboration, Networked Local Innovation, and Collective Autonomy and Agency—and serve as an inspiration to all within our Catholic education community.

We commend all nominees for their outstanding work and thank them for the positive impact they continue to make in the lives of students, families, and colleagues.

Let us continue to celebrate and support those who embody the true spirit of Catholic education.