Annika Rory awarded Outstanding Aboriginal Educator

Congratulations Indi Kindi Borroloola educator and Yanyuwa woman Annika Rory on being awarded Outstanding Aboriginal Educator at the 2025 Northern Territory Education and Care Awards.

This recognition is a reflection of Annika’s commitment to supporting Borroloola’s under 5s in their learning and development to give them the best start in life.

Annika has been with Indi Kindi for over 6 years, well above the early childhood industry average of 1.2 years. Her input has helped shape the Indi Kindi program and also prepared many young Aboriginal children to be school ready so they can thrive and reach their full potential.

After attaining a Certificate 3 in Early Education and Care from Batchelor Institute in 2023, Annika is currently undertaking her Diploma studies. When she graduates she will be one of the highest qualified professionals in the community where only 15.2% of adults have completed year 12.

Annika’s training and qualifications include:

• Youth Mental Health First Aid
• First Aid & CPR
• Eating for Wellbeing (NT Health)
• Baby Emergency Education & CPR
• Strong Heart Workshop
• Certified Circle of Security Facilitator
• Safe Food Handling

Annika is also involved in the design and delivery of Indi Kindi’s ground-breaking Walking Learning® early years program. For instance, she helped create a series of educational videos outlining the Walking Learning® methodology.

By implementing play-based learning, she teaches local knowledge such as fishing, gathering bush food and cooking traditionally with fire during Cooking on Country sessions, to help the children feel connected to culture, Country and each other.

Annika is a role model, change-maker and leader in the community. She has a deep commitment to nurturing the young learners to give them the strongest start in life.