Stephanie Armstrong OAM

Gamilaraay/Bigambul woman Stephanie Armstrong OAM knew from a young age she wanted to educate. 

Her ensuing 40 years as an educator – spanning early childhood, primary and secondary schools, universities, government and not-for-profit organisations – led to her recognition and Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to Indigenous health and education.

Mrs Armstrong is a consultant for First Nations education and health. Prior to this, she was co-chair of the Bendigo Reconciliation Committee, inaugural chair of Kondee Woonga-gat Toor-rong - a First Nations-led philanthropic fund, and Indigenous researcher at the Australian Council for Educational Research. 

Her key focus for the past 15 years has been mentoring and teaching young First Nation women, and encouraging them into health, education and cultural pathways.

Mrs Armstrong says she was shocked when she heard about her recognition. 

“For a lot of people, you’re just an everyday person just doing your work. I had to read it a few times, and I wasn’t sure if it was real or not,” she says. 

“I am really grateful for the opportunity of getting this award.” 

Mrs Armstrong says the importance of recognition of this kind, particularly for First Nations people in similar positions, is undeniable.

“There are uncles and aunties who do a lot of work in the community, so being recognised by your peers and those that are in your community is really special,” she says. 

“I would really encourage people to get onto the nomination form – particularly those who have worked with First Nations people … take this as an opportunity to give back.

“Get on and nominate those people within your community that just do their work every day, sometimes in some really quite difficult spaces.

“This is that opportunity to really see those achievements being recognised.”