Outstanding initiatives awarded in Townsville during National Reconciliation Week

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport, Mr Curtis Pitt has announced the winners of the 2016 Queensland Reconciliation Awards at a ceremony in Townsville, applauding all finalists and recipients for their outstanding work.

“As a Government we have made Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships a priority portfolio but reconciliation is not something a Government can achieve alone,” Mr Pitt said.  

“I’m thrilled to be here to celebrate the important work of those community groups working to break down stereotypes and those businesses setting a positive example by actively providing Indigenous people with employment opportunities.

“We have made great strides in recent years as Queenslanders, but there is still a long journey ahead which we need to walk together.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk commended the important achievements of all finalists and winners who were awarded in Townsville.

“Congratulations to the finalists and winners of this year’s awards,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This recognition is a testament to the outcomes you’ve achieved through your initiatives and I hope you continue to be inspired to create change.

Johnathan Thurston, who has been Ambassador of the awards for four years, also congratulated the finalists.

“I believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to continue to develop respectful relationships between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous people, to foster reconciliation, ultimately creating a community where all cultures are valued, respected and affirmed across all areas of society,” Mr Thurston said.

The winning projects each received a cash prize of $5000.

To keep up to date with the awards follow the awards on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.qld.gov.au/about/events-awards-honours/awards/reconciliation-awards 

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 Partnerships.

The awards are proudly supported by BHP Billiton, Queensland Treasury Corporation, Norton Rose Fulbright, QGC, Koori Mail and 612 ABC Brisbane and ABC Local Radio.

A complete list of the 2016 Queensland Reconciliation Award winners follows below:

Business category - Proudly supported by BHP Billiton

Aurizon - Indigenous Reference Group

Community category - Proudly supported by Queensland Treasury Corporation

Yugambeh Museum Language and Heritage Research Centre - Yugambeh Museum Youth Choir

Education category - Proudly supported by Norton Rose Fulbright

James Cook University - Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in Marine Science program

Partnership category - Proudly supported by QGC

Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Cape York Land Council Aboriginal Corporation - Peninsula Priority Agreement

Premier’s Reconciliation Award

Bond University and Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia - Women Yarning Up

Contact:  0419 945 546