Dr Dawn Grant-Skiba Receives Australian Award

Australian Schools Plus is a national not-for-profit organisation focused on improving education equity and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Now in their tenth year, the Schools Plus Teaching Awards recognise exceptional teachers and school leaders who are finding innovative ways to improve learning, inclusion and wellbeing outcomes, particularly for students experiencing disadvantage. This year, 13 educators from across Australia were recognised at an awards ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on 15 September.

The Lee Casuscelli Excellence in Special Education Award was established by Schools Plus, with founding support from Westpac, to honour the life and work of respected educator and disability advocate Lee Casuscelli, who passed away unexpectedly in February 2026.

Lee dedicated more than 40 years to education and was a passionate advocate for children and young people with disability and diverse learning needs. She served as Principal of Aspect Western Sydney School and Aspect Macarthur School before joining Schools Plus as Director of Education, where she continued to champion inclusive education. The inaugural award recognises an outstanding educator who demonstrates exceptional dedication, compassion and advocacy for children and young people living with disability.

Dawn said receiving the inaugural award was an unexpected and deeply meaningful honour. «I was aware of Lee and the incredible work she did, particularly her commitment to children and young people living with disability. To receive the inaugural Lee Casuscelli Excellence in Special Education Award is an incredible honour. Lee and I shared a belief that people living with disability deserve dignity, choice and the highest quality education possible. They deserve to dream big, have a voice and have every opportunity to live a fulfilled life.»