Businesses, community groups and organisations working to advance reconciliation in Queensland are encouraged to nominate for 2020 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.
Acting Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mick de Brenni said at a time a conversation with Queenslanders around Treaty was underway, it was more important than ever to share a celebrate inspiring stories of reconciliation
“We know the journey to true reconciliation is long path, with many steps left to take, but the prospect of bringing all Queenslanders together will make this journey both rewarding and worthwhile,” Mr de Brenni said.
“As a proud advocate and champion for reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Palaszczuk Government understands that advancing reconciliation involves bringing all Queenslanders on the journey, through acknowledging and respecting the history of our state that stretches back more than 60,000 years.
“Recognising groups and individuals who go above and beyond to foster reconciliation is an important step in building that sense of shared history.
“That’s why we are shining a spotlight on the stories of Queenslanders taking that journey together and honouring those who have demonstrated a commitment to building a more inclusive society.”
In 2019 the Queensland Reconciliation Awards celebrated a variety of ground-breaking initiatives, including a program embedding Aboriginal language in state schools and a music festival attracting tourists to an isolated Queensland community, helping to foster cross-cultural collaboration and breaking down barriers to engagement.
Mr de Brenni said it was inspiring to see the calibre of initiatives acknowledged over the 18-year history of the awards.
“There are so many Queensland businesses and organisations working hard in their communities to prioritise respectful relationships and cross-collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders,” he said.
“I encourage everyone who has an inspirational story to nominate for the awards as we continue to reframe the relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.”
The Awards program offers a total prize pool of $25,000 across five categories—business, community, education, partnership and an overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award.
Nominations close at 5pm, Monday 24 February 2020.
