We are excited to announce that nominations for the 2026 Courage Starts Here Awards are now open!
The Courage Starts Here Awards recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals in our community for their contribution to Penrhos College. Through their unwavering determination, passion and drive, they exemplify true courage in their pursuit to make a positive impact.
These awards are testament to our bold vision of revolutionising girls’ education. They underpin our strategic direction and the pillars upon which it is built: Embrace, Create, Soar, Blaze and Impact.
NOMINATIONS
To foster community engagement and celebrate the contributions of others, we only accept nominations exclusively from third parties. This encourages peers, colleagues and supporters to highlight the achievements of those making a difference.
Nominations close on Friday, 7 August 2026 at 5pm awst.
Winners will be announced at the Founders' Day assembly on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
Nomination categories and criteria are listed below:
Embrace
The Penrhos Embrace Award recognises a member of our Alumni for their ongoing relationship with the College, and their continued endeavour and commitment to contribute to school life. Their actions and behaviours help to nurture timeless connections.
They Love, Lead and Unite.
Eligibility – past student of Penrhos or Kobeelya
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Briefly describe how the nominee has maintained a meaningful connection with the College since graduating
- Please provide at least one specific example of the nominee's active participation in College activities as an alumni
- Please provide examples of the nominee's positive impact or contribution to inspiring belonging in our students and/or acting as a role model to them
Create
The Penrhos Create Award recognises and celebrates current Penrhos staff who innovate and advance creative learning at Penrhos and/or progress industry partnerships with the College. The winner of this award will have championed creativity, collaboration and excellence through the initiation and provision of educational opportunities for our students.
They are Bold, Curious and Resourceful.
Eligibility – current Penrhos staff
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Outline the initiative/s or innovations the nominee has led, or contributed to
- Describe any collaboration involved in the creative process of this initiative or activity
- Outline the impact this innovation or initiative has had on the College community – including other staff, students and parents
Soar
The Penrhos Soar Award celebrates a current Penrhos staff member who embodies the values and commitments of Penrhos College and who embraces the spirit of lifelong learning. The winner of this award epitomises this ethos through their dedication and commitment to their personal learning and growth as well as that of others.
They have shown Vision, Determination and Growth.
Eligibility – current Penrhos staff
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Describe how the nominee has pursued professional or personal growth
- Provide examples of their support for the learning of others
- Explain how they have applied their learning to improve/enhance their impact on the College and its students
Blaze
The Blaze Award is named in honour of our brave Alumni and is awarded to a student who has shown courage, curiosity and passion by challenging convention for the greater good. She has been a positive changemaker.
She is a force for good, and has Loved, Led and United.
Eligibility – current Penrhos student
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Share a story or example that illustrates the student's courage and advocacy
- Highlight the cause/s or issue/s they've supported and how they've influenced others
- Describe the nominee's impact in, or beyond Penrhos College
- Please provide examples of the nominee 'speaking up' and working to effect positive change
Impact
The Penrhos Impact Award recognises a current student, staff member or parent who has made a significant contribution to serve others within and beyond our community in-line with our values and commitments.
This award celebrates an individual who has actively engaged in initiatives to foster stronger ties between Penrhos College and the community at large, and who demonstrates a commitment towards making a positive difference beyond our school walls in the spirit of connection and service.
They are filled with Wonder, Joy and Optimism.
Eligibility – current Penrhos staff, student or parent
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Describe the initiatives or activities the nominee is involved with that show a commitment to helping others?
- Outline the community or individuals impacted by the nominees efforts
- Describe the positive impact/benefit the actions of the nominee have had on those outside of the Penrhos community
PREVIOUS Award Winners
These outstanding winners have dedicated countless hours to enriching the Penrhos community, embodying the values we hold dear. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for their inspiring contributions.
| Award | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
|
Embrace Award
|
Jill Clarke
|
Kay Lee
|
|
Create Award
|
Gemma Brogden
|
Aliesha Tomkyns
|
|
Soar Award
|
Sandra Rowden
|
Alisha McMullen
|
|
Blaze Award
|
Matilda Barrett
|
Ashlyn King
|
|
Impact Award
|
Grace Curtis
|
Hannah Fay
|
