A straight-talking liaison officer with a deep connection to the ancient Arrernte culture of Central Australia has won this year’s award for the Northern Territory’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educator of the year for 2021.
Cheryle Edwards has been the Aboriginal Education Officer at the Acacia Hill School for 15 years and works with children at all stages, including students living with a disability and others with complex needs.
The school is the only special needs school in Central Australia, with some students coming from communities as far away as the Queensland border.
Ms Edwards has spent more than three decades in education and said she was flooded with reactions to her win.
Ms Edwards said she was elated to receive the award at a ceremony in Alice Springs.
“It was just mind-blowing and a very emotional night, lots of tears, lots of smiles, lots of congratulations, and after 23 years I think it’s very well deserved too,” she said.
Acacia Hill is known as the cocoon site for the Arrernte caterpillar dreaming story and 70 per cent of the School’s students are Indigenous, with many living in remote areas and with strong links to their Traditional culture and lore.
Many are far away from their families while at school and others don’t see their families for years.
The school also said it has students with origins in New Zealand, Sudan, Syria, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India.
Ms Edwards’ colleagues said she is an extremely valuable member of staff.
“If a child’s having a difficult time, she’s very good at working out does this kid need nurture, or does this need some firm boundaries,” Principal Julie Permezel said.
Ms Edwards’ broad cultural knowledge, gained through working in the community and hearing stories from Elders, plays an important role in her work.
She helps non-indigenous staff and carers of Indigenous children at the school understand cultural etiquette leading to more meaningful and positive community engagement.
“She’s really such a precious link to the ancient history of this place where this school is located on Acacia Hill which is a sacred site and as well the stolen generation, she is a really valuable and we are very privileged to have her on our staff,” Ms Permezel said.
For this year’s winner of the Northern Territory’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educator of the year, she continues to be motivated by her capacity to make a difference as a long-standing member of the community and in her role as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer.
Ms Edwards said she 'flows three ways' with family connection to Mparntwe, Urremerne and Harts Range
“It’s coming into work, the rapport I have with the staff, the families. Knowing that I’m needed. Knowing that I can make a difference, somewhere, somehow, that’s what brings me to work every day,” Ms Edwards said.
