Melissa Campbell, principal of Borenore Public School, and Kylie Toberty, principal of Nashdale Primary School, received the honour on Tuesday morning at Borenore Public School.

"Through a most difficult 2020, from the start of the year, when smoke and dust filled the air, to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption to the school, Mrs Campbell and Mrs Toberty have led with care, thought, innovation and inspiration to keep the students engaged with their learning," said Cabonne mayor Kevin Beatty.

Mrs Campbell said that while "it was lovely to be acknowledged, it was a surprise ... I don't feel I deserve it - it's my job, and I love working with the community".

With just 40 students, Mrs Campbell said the school felt like "a big family".

"There are lots of benefits in being a small school - we know the kids really well and they know us really well".

She said she was "so proud to be Australian. Australia Day is a glorious day because this is such an amazing country".

Mrs Toberty said she was honoured to receive the award.

"We are so lucky to see the best of times and the worst of times, and the opportunity to lead our amazing staff last year was a really interesting experience.

"It showed the resilience of our little community."

About 50 people attended the event.

There was a sausage sizzle and cake stall, and one of the organisers told the crowd they were not to leave until they'd enjoyed a snag, a cake, or both.

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