The Muriel Matters Awards profile and recognise the work and life of Muriel Matters (1877-1969), a South-Australian born suffragist, educator and social reformer who made a difference in the early 20th century through her work and activism to further the rights and freedoms of women.

In recognition of the change role Muriel played in societies around the world, the Muriel Matters Awards aim to identify and recognise young people in our schools who show the qualities of self-initiative, determination to make a difference despite personal challenges and a commitment to make the world a better place for all.

The Awards are presented annually.

The Muriel Matters Awards are a joint initiative of the Minster for Education, Training and Skills, and the Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly.

Nominate a student

Eligibility

  • The awards are available to all schools in South Australia with secondary enrolments.
  • The awards are open to all secondary students from years 7 to 12.
  • One Muriel Matters awardee can be awarded per school.
  • A student can only be awarded a Muriel Matters Award once during their schooling.

Prizes

Awardees will receive a Muriel Matters Award medallion and a copy of Collette Snowden’s monograph, ‘Muriel Matters – That Daring Australian Girl’.

The medallions have been funded by the House of Assembly, Parliament of South Australia and the books donated by the Muriel Matters Society.

Selection and Presentation Responsibilities

  • The selection of the awardees is a school-based process, using the selection criteria.
  • Upon receipt of the school nominations, the Curriculum Programs Directorate of the Department for Education will arrange engraving and the distribution of medallions and books to schools during November 2024.
  • Schools are responsible for presenting the awards during end of year assemblies or at special ceremonies as determined by the school.

Award Selection Criteria

The nominated student must demonstrate aspects of the following criteria:

  • self-starting and shows initiative beyond school arranged activities
  • involved in democratic processes to promote change and make a difference
  • taken action of some type
  • exhibited in their action a degree of selflessness and personal challenge.

Schools must submit nominations online.  Nominations for 2024 are now closed.

Image Credit: Department for Education/Capture the Present