The Dr Russell Cowie ‘Excellence in History Education’ Award 2025 was presented to Pip Macdonald on 28th June 2025 during the QHTA History Teachers’ Association State Conference.
Awarded to Pip (Phillipa) Macdonald for her exemplary and sustained contribution to the professional learning of those in the Queensland History Teachers’ Association, its student programs and publications. She is recognised by QHTA as an intelligent, dedicated, innovative, creative and inspiring teacher and leader, who has been exceptional and influential in shaping the association’s core business and reputation, as one of the most successful teacher professional associations in Australia.
This is evidenced through: her unwavering advocacy for good History curriculum; her innovations in engaging history teachers in professional learning through and after the challenges presented by Covid-19 and communicating with them in a variety of ways including social media; her passion for inclusivity and ensuring that QHTA supports teachers throughout all of Queensland, not just the South-East corner; her exemplary work ethic, drive and dedication, which has often meant leading many of QHTA’s priority activities herself; and her personal and professional attributes that include but are not limited to her determination, supportiveness, generosity, ability to seek and follow advice when needed and skill in inspiring those around her. Because of Pip’s example others also aspire to excellence in all they do for the association and its promotion of good history teaching and learning. All these qualities and actions have in turn benefitted not only members of QHTA but also the wider history teaching community, including both teachers and students.
