An extra $150,000 has been delivered by the Palaszczuk Government for the third round of the Celebrating Reconciliation Small Grants program.
Announced at the Queensland Reconciliation Awards by Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch, the funding boost will make a total of $250,000 available to support community celebrations across Queensland in 2020.
“This is an additional $150,000 in funding from the Palaszczuk Government to help even more local communities across our vast state to promote reconciliation and truth-telling,” Ms Enoch said.
“Reconciliation Week events such as traditional performances, art exhibitions, storytelling and fun runs are always a popular way of bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders together.
“We want to give communities and organisations time to start planning for their applications ahead of the 2020 Reconciliation Week celebrations”
Applications for Palaszczuk Government’s third round of the Celebrating Reconciliation Small Grants program will open in October 2019.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad said 30 celebratoryevents were underway for this year’s National Reconciliation Week, which runs until Sunday, June 2.
“Reconciliation Week is a perfect opportunity to get involved and celebrate two of the world’s oldest living cultures, right here at home in Queensland,” Ms Trad said.
“This year’s theme, Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage is a powerful reminder of the role truth-telling of the past has in forming our future as an equal and united Queensland, that sets the example for others to follow.
“Our State’s iconic landmarks in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Cairns and the Torres Strait will be lit up in the colours of the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag.
“Queenslanders are also able to make an ‘I support reconciliation’ pledge online to publicly demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation.
“Reconciliation is a collective responsibility and the online pledge is a great way to show your support, regardless of where you live or your own cultural identity.
“Together, we can walk respectfully in strength and courage.”
National Reconciliation Week is a national event held each year from 27 May to 3 June, commemorating two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey; the 1967 referendum and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision.
Locations lit up in the colours of the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag during Reconciliation Week include:
Brisbane:
- Reddacliff Place sculptures
- Tropical Dome, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
- Wickham Terrace car park
- Victoria Bridge
- Story Bridge
- Kurilpa Bridge
- Parliament House
- QPAC
- Suncorp Stadium
- University of Queensland
Toowoomba
- Outer Circulating Road
Rockhampton
- Quay Street
Cairns
- Munro Martin Park
Torres Strait
- Cultural Village, Thursday Island
Queenslanders can make their online reconciliation pledge at: www.datsip.qld.gov.au/nrw
