SCPA NSW Annual Awards
In 2025, we proudly celebrate the fifth anniversary of the inaugural awards, which were established to honour school counsellors and school psychologists for their exemplary contributions to the field. This year, a new award category has been introduced: Supervisor of the Year - recognising the important role of those who guide, support and develop others in our field.
Award winners will receive:
- $500 prize money
- Trophy
- 12 months free SCPA NSW membership
- One free 12-month membership for a colleague not yet associated with SCPA NSW
- Permission to display this achievement on professional correspondence for 12 months
Eligibility and Nomination Guidelines
Nominees must meet the following general criteria:
- Currently employed in school counselling/psychology with the NSW Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW, a school associated with the Association of Independent Schools NSW or another private school in NSW, or TAFE NSW.
- Consent to their nomination to be published on the SCPA NSW website and social media platforms.
Nominees do not have to be current members of SCPA NSW.
Who can nominate?
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A colleague may nominate, or candidates may self-nominate.
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All nominations must include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be the nominee’s immediate practice or clinical supervisor.
All nominations must reflect the 2025 Recognition Day theme:
'Together, We Grow'—celebrating how counselling relationships, professional collaboration, and leadership contribute to the growth of students, school communities, and/or the profession.
School counsellors and school psychologists can be nominated for an award in one of the three categories described:
Practitioner of the Year
In addition to the general criteria, the Practitioner of the Year nomination must address how the nominee:
- Criterion One: Demonstrates admirable professional practice in their role as School Counsellor or School Psychologist.
- Criterion Two: Develops and maintains strong collaborative relationships within school communities, peer networks or multidisciplinary teams to promote positive student wellbeing and mental health outcomes.
The nomination should reflect the theme 'Together, We Grow' showing how the nominees relationships and practice have supported growth and positive change.
Early Career Practitioner of the Year
In addition to the general criteria, the Early Career Practitioner of the Year must have less than three years’ experience in school counselling or psychology. The nomination must address how the nominee:
- Criterion One: As an early career applicant, demonstrates strong professional practice in their role as School Counsellor or School Psychologist.
- Criterion Two: Develops collaborative relationships within school communities, peer networks or multidisciplinary teams to promote positive student wellbeing and mental health.
The nomination should reflect the theme 'Together, We Grow' showing the nominees commitment to growing their practice and strengthening connections that support students.
(NEW) Supervisor of the Year
In addition to the general criteria, the Supervisor of the Year nomination must address how the nominee:
- Criterion One: Demonstrates excellence in providing supervision that fosters reflective and deliberate practice, and professional growth for School Counsellors/Psychologists. This could be individual, peer or group supervision or consultation.
- Criterion Two: Evidence of delivering effective supervision that is responsive to the unique demands of the school setting, including working across systems, ethical decision-making, and navigating diverse and often competing stakeholder needs.
The nomination should reflect the theme 'Together, We Grow' showing how the nominees supervisory relationships and leadership support the growth of others in school counselling and psychology.
Selection Process
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Nominations will be reviewed by the SCPA NSW committee and awards panel.
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Four finalists in each category will be published on our website and social media for member voting.
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The final result will be determined by a 50% member vote and 50% awards panel score.
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The 2025 panel includes past winners and volunteer SCPA NSW members.
Award winners will be announced and celebrated at an online ceremony on 19th November 2025.
Let’s celebrate the inspiring work happening across our profession.
Nominate someone today who embodies the spirit of growth, collaboration and care - Together, We Grow.