winner: Australian Boarding Schools Association Boarding School of the Year

Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Inc

Larrakeyah Primary School

@stmichaelsgrammarschool

@TDSLaw

Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Inc is a community organisation based on Thursday Island, providing boarding and support for young people from the Torres Strait’s outer islands while they attend secondary school. Across its boarding houses, Kaziw Meta offers a home away from home where students can connect with culture, build strong relationships and take part in tutoring, sport, recreation and wellbeing programs. Working alongside families, schools and community partners, its staff help young people manage the challenges of living away from home and make the most of their education. Kaziw Meta is also developing pathways beyond school. Its Transition House will provide accommodation and support for graduates pursuing training, apprenticeships, further study and employment on Thursday Island. Guided by the values of Respect, Trust and Pride, Kaziw Meta aims to give young people the support and opportunities they need to shape their own futures. In 2026, it was named Boarding School of the Year at the Australian Education Awards.

As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

Tom Dunsmore is Chief Executive Officer of Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Inc. He leads the organisation’s strategy, partnerships and growth, with a focus on creating stronger education and employment pathways for young people from the Torres Strait’s outer islands. Tom has 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector and has helped secure substantial funding for programs and facilities. He holds a commerce degree, has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ not-for-profit course, and is studying an MBA and CPA.

CEO

Thomas Dunsmore

Julie Cubit is Kaziw Meta’s Director of Boarding. She leads the boarding team and oversees the daily care, wellbeing and development of students living away from home. Julie works with staff, families and schools to help students feel supported, stay engaged in their education and take part in the opportunities available to them. Her role brings together pastoral care, study support, recreation and boarding operations across Kaziw Meta’s houses.

Director of Boarding

Julie Cubit

Thomas Dunsmore

CEO

Julie Cubit

Director of Boarding

Frank Morseu

Deputy Director – Operations

Frank Morseu is Kaziw Meta’s Deputy Director of Operations. Frank has grown in the organisation undertaking most roles. He oversees the practical services that keep the boarding houses running, including catering, cleaning, grounds and facilities support. Frank works with his team to provide boarders with a safe, welcoming and well-maintained place to live. Frank leads our Cultural Program including Dance Performances and our annual NAIDOC event.

Deputy Director – Operations

Frank Morseu

David Olney

Deputy Director - Pastoral Care

Dyral Lui

Wellbeing Coordinator

Dyral Lui is Kaziw Meta’s Wellbeing Coordinator. He provides wellbeing support and helps boarders stay connected to culture and community. Dyral also attends school during the day to support our boarders engagement in class. He also leads Kaziw Meta’s dance team and, alongside Uncle Frank, plays a key role in bringing the organisation’s NAIDOC celebrations together. Through these activities and his daily work with boarders Dyral helps create a strong sense of belonging at Kaziw Meta.

Wellbeing Coordinator

Dyral Lui

David Olney is Kaziw Meta’s Deputy Director – Pastoral Care. He supports boarders’ wellbeing and development, helping them build positive relationships, manage challenges and stay engaged in boarding life. David mentors boarding staff and works with the Director of Boarding to put pastoral care programs into practice. He also works alongside families and colleagues to make sure boarders receive consistent support while living away from home.

Deputy Director - Pastoral Care

David Olney

Karen Auda

Senior House Parent

Levi Dugger

Lead Teacher

Karen Auda is a Senior House Parent at Kaziw Meta. She helps create a safe, welcoming home for boarders living away from their families and communities. Karen supports boarders across all houses through their daily routines, encourages positive relationships and works with the boarding team to provide consistent care. Her role helps boarders feel settled, supported and connected throughout their time at Kaziw Meta.

Senior House Parent

Karen Auda

Levi Dugger is a teacher at Kaziw Meta with strong and long-term connections to families throughout the Torres Strait. He supports boarders with their learning and works with families and colleagues to understand each student’s needs. Alongside Katijah, Levi recruits and manages the tutoring team that provides students with additional academic support.

Lead Teacher

Levi Dugger

Katijah Keenan

Lead Teacher

Katijah Nowlan is a Torres Strait Islander teacher at Kaziw Meta who speaks Torres Strait Creole. She supports boarders’ learning and works closely with families across the Torres Strait, bringing an understanding of students’ cultural and community connections to her role. Katijah also recruits and manages Kaziw Meta’s tutoring team, ensuring students have access to regular study support.

Lead Teacher

Katijah Keenan