Mr Gary Smith has been honored with the prestigious title of Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Non-Government) at the 2023 Australian Education Awards! 

With close to 38 years of teaching experience, Mr Smith has been instrumental in the success of the school's VCE mathematics and physics classes since he commenced here as a teacher in 2006. He has also been a passionate woodwork teacher during that time. 

The awards ceremony, held at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney on 11 August, celebrated outstanding contributions to education. Despite his individual recognition, Mr Smith humbly acknowledged the collective effort of the team of teachers around him, notably his wife Melonie who teachers mathematics to the school's lower secondary students. 

Mr Smith emphasised the unique and supportive environment at Cobram AGS that has brought out the best in his teaching. He credited this environment for his enduring commitment to teaching, highlighting the joy of witnessing former students thrive in their careers as something he is most proud of as an educator. 

Cobram Anglican Grammar School Principal Mr Keith Willett commended Mr Smith's lasting impact on students and colleagues, expressing immense pride in his achievement.

"Mr Smith's award stands as a testament to his ability to inspire and educate, underscoring his remarkable teaching journey and his role in shaping students' success along the way. To be recognised with a national award is truly amazing and we are extremely proud of Gary and have been fortunate to call him a colleague," Mr Willett commented.