The History Council NSW Annual History Awards were announced at a ceremony in the Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney in front of more than 85 members and guests who helped to celebrate the winner’s achievements.

The winning entries took us on a journey through time, delving into the captivating stories and rich cultural heritage of New South Wales. There was a very strong and diverse field of applications for the Awards this year, and the judges issued not only awards in every category, but in some cases, also Commendations. Emerging historians’ work featured strongly this year.
The First Nations History Award is sponsored by Professor David Carment & Dr Stephen Gapps. The winner of the 2024 First Nations History Award is Kazan Brown for her Submission on Warramgamba Dam and associated artworks.
This award is for Kazan Brown for her Submission into the raising of the Warragamba Dam Wall and her beautiful associated artworks. Faced with the threat that the Warragamba Dam wall would be raised and precious Gundungurra sites inundated, Kazan went deep into her family history and demonstrated her family’s unbroken connection with the Burragorang Valley, mobilising archaeological and environmental reports to support her claims. This is an outstanding piece of work from Kazan Brown and her community that shows the vitality of Gundungurra knowledge and culture. The Creation Story of Wollondilly and the important stories of Gurangatch and Mirragan and the White Waratah have guided Kazan Brown through her successful advocacy to protect the Aboriginal heritage around Lake Burragorang. This is Aboriginal history brought into the public sphere for powerful purpose and the judges congratulate Kazan on her work.

We congratulate you again, Kazan on your great work!