Nominations open in 2015 Queensland Reconciliation Awards

Queenslanders have the opportunity to help change community attitudes to reconciliation with Premier Campbell Newman opening nominations for the 2015 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

Mr Newman said the awards, which was now in its thirteenth year, had in the past recognised over 150 organisations which had gone above and beyond their core business in undertaking programs and initiatives to strengthen reconciliation in communities.

“Organisations helping to shape and improve the future of Queensland’s reconciliation have the opportunity to receive their rightful acknowledgement through these prestigious awards”, Mr Newman said.

“There are many businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and partnerships that are actively working to encourage reconciliation in Queensland.

“The vitality of these awards is reinforced by the involvement of rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston as our Awards Ambassador.

“He is a hero for so many, both on and off the sporting field and I am very pleased that he will be alongside me, recognising the many great initiatives that are so deserving of these awards.

“With the incredible breadth of work being undertaken across the state in the last year alone, I urge Queenslanders not to hesitate and get their nominations in early this year.

“I’m anticipating an extremely difficult task ahead of me for the judging panel, so good luck to all nominees.”

Johnathan Thurston, captain of the North Queensland Cowboys, has been the awards’ ambassador since 2013.

“It is through the work and dedication of many organisations across Queensland that we will see the lasting impacts of reconciliation for years to come”, Mr Thurston said.

“When we recognise those who are supporting reconciliation we are able to create a positive environment and an open dialogue about the importance and power of this issue.”

The awards program offers a total prize pool of $25,000 across business, education, community and partnership categories.

Nominations close Friday 6 March 2015. For more information or to download a nomination form visit qld.gov.au/reconciliation or phone (07) 3003 9111.

Award winners will be announced at a ceremony during Reconciliation Week in May 2015.

The Queensland Reconciliation Awards is an initiative of the Queensland Government through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs.

It is proudly supported by Indigenous Business Australia, Arrow Energy, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, QGC, 612 ABC Brisbane, ABC Local Radio and Koori Mail.

Contact: Premier's Office 3719 7000

2014 Queensland Reconciliation Award winners

Business Award

Island & Cape for Unity Through Enterprise

Island & Cape operates in remote areas of Far North Queensland and Cape York Peninsula, employing 100 staff of which 90 per cent are Indigenous. Over the past 10 years, Island & Cape has built cross-cultural understanding through its employment and training initiatives, education, partnerships and engagement with local communities.

Education Award

Kirwan State High School for Excellence in Indigenous Education

Kirwan State High School is one of the largest secondary schools in Queensland, with 394 students of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. The school’s Excellence in Indigenous Education Strategy is embedded into its practices and demonstrated by significant improvements in Indigenous student outcomes. 

Community Organisation Award

South Cape York Catchments

South Cape York Catchments (SCYC) brings together Traditional Owners, Indigenous organisations, volunteers, scientists and schools to protect and promote the region’s rich cultural heritage and environment. By establishing Indigenous Land and Sea ranger teams in Laura and Melsonby, SCYC supports Traditional Owners to work on country and pass on cultural heritage to younger generations.

Partnerships Award

Mungalla Aboriginal Business Corporation and CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences for Mungalla Wetlands Biodiversity Project

Originally formed to develop a management strategy for wetlands, the Mungalla Aboriginal Business Corporation and CSIRO partnership has grown over the last 10 years, bringing together the knowledge of the Indigenous people of Mungalla with the technical expertise of CSIRO scientists. In a relationship built on cross-cultural understanding, learning and awareness, staff, volunteers, Traditional Owners and the wider community work together to not only eradicate weeds from the Mungalla wetlands but also strengthen reconciliation within their community.

Premier’s Reconciliation Award

Yugambeh Museum and Dreamworld for Dreamworld Corroboree       

Dreamworld Corroboree is Australia’s first Indigenous themed attraction within a major theme park. Opened in February 2014, Dreamworld Corroboree brings together over three years of collaboration to present the stories, as told by Elders and community storytellers, from 22 different Indigenous peoples across Australia.