18 November 2025

This year’s Rerum Novarum Awards recognised student-led social justice initiatives that created a lasting impact in their school communities. Projects that exemplified the ‘See, Judge, Act’ method of applying Catholic social teaching earned the recognition of the judging panel.

The Gold Award went to students from St Monica’s College, Epping, for their project ‘Dignity in Every Dollar’. Through initiatives such as the renewal of a student-led canteen menu and the creation of an indigenous fair-trade tea blend, students demonstrated how mindful choices can foster dignity and solidarity, and raise the awareness of other students and the broader community.

Principal Brian Hanley OAM said:

Our students have shown that leadership in social justice begins with compassion, creativity and conviction. Dignity in Every Dollar is a powerful example of how faith in action can shape a more just and thoughtful world.

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, Braybrook, students received the Silver Award for their Eco Committee Food Security project, which made connections between the school’s sustainability efforts and creating compassionate communities through involvement with Duke Street Community House.

The Bronze Award went to St Columba’s College, Essendon, for involvement in the Vinnies School Sleepout, while Mazenod College, Mulgrave, received an honourable mention for demonstrating a great understanding of Catholic social teaching and the See, Judge, Act method of social justice.

The Rerum Novarum Awards are a special opportunity to recognise students who have seen a social justice issue and then, with hearts tuned to the Gospel, determined the actions they were being called to take to create a more just society.