Queenslanders leading the way to reconciliation

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the recipients of the 2015 Queensland Reconciliation Awards at a ceremony in Brisbane last night and congratulated them for taking positive steps towards reconciliation.

The awards coincided with National Reconciliation Week, running from 27 May to 3 June 2015.

“Since its inception in 2003, the Queensland Reconciliation Awards has consistently recognised outstanding projects and initiatives advancing reconciliation,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I am very proud to be a part of this year’s awards ceremony and would like to congratulate the recipients for their commitment to reconciliation and making a difference within their communities.

“It’s exciting to see such a diverse range of industries represented in this year’s awards, including sport, child protection, education, training and the arts.”

Winners included Brisbane Broncos, for the Business category, recognised for mentoring Indigenous students to complete Year 12 and transition into further study, training or employment.

Act for Kids, a child protection charity, was recognised as the winner of the Community category, for providing safe and nurturing care for children in remote far north Queensland communities as part of its SafeKIDS Program. 

Other winners included Bray Park State School and the Kalwun Development Corporation and Department of National Parks Sport and Racing.

The Premier’s Reconciliation Award was presented to Queensland Theatre Company and Sibelco Australia for their landmark production Black Diggers which tells the stories of Indigenous soldiers who served in World War I.

“Congratulations to all recipients, finalists and nominees for your unwavering commitment to pursuing reconciliation and improving our Queensland communities,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Awards Ambassador Johnathan Thurston also commended the great work being achieved throughout Queensland to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“I would like to congratulate all recipients of this year’s awards.  Your hard work and determination in advancing reconciliation and building cross-cultural understanding within your community and workplace is inspiring.

“Reconciliation needs to be everyone’s business, so let’s continue to spread the message and create more opportunities for all Queenslanders,” Mr Thurston said.

The Queensland Reconciliation Awards is an initiative of the Queensland Government and are proudly supported by Indigenous Business Australia, Arrow Energy, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, QGC, 612 ABC Brisbane, ABC Local Radio and Koori Mail.

2015 Queensland Reconciliation Awards winners

The winning projects each received a cash prize of $5000.  Visit qld.gov.au/reconciliation to find out more about the 2015 winners and finalists, or follow @qldreconciliationawards on Instagram.

ENDS

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