2017 Queensland Reconciliation Award winners recognised in Cairns

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced award recipients for the 2017 Queensland Reconciliation Awards at a ceremony in Cairns tonight

The Premier said the awards recognised community organisations, educational institutions and initiatives that are taking a positive step towards reconciliation.

“Congratulations go to this year’s winners for their significant contributions to promoting reconciliation in their communities,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“It is inspiring to see the dedication of the many Queensland businesses, organisations and educational institutions driving this important cause.”

Premier Palaszczuk said this year the Premier’s Reconciliation Award has gone to The Puuya Foundation.

“The Puuya Foundation does amazing work empowering the Lockhart River Community by bringing together community members, philanthropists, corporate and government to create meaningful change in the lives of children and parents within its local and broader communities,” she said.

“Congratulations to the Puuya Foundation for their innovative model which is already getting excellent results for the people of Lockhart River.”

The Woodward Family CaPTA Group were announced as winners in the Business category for their work in increasing long-term Indigenous employment, which has made a significant impact within Cairns and Far North Queensland.

Other winning initiatives include North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre, Cairns Hockey Association and Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in partnership with Ports North.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Mark Furner, congratulated finalists and winners for sharing their stories and reconciliation successes during National Reconciliation Week.

“The hard work, initiative and entrepreneurial spirit of this year’s winners and finalists have been instrumental in advancing opportunity, equality and reconciliation in Queensland,” Mr Furner said.

“Queensland businesses, community organisations and individuals are making a genuine commitment to reconciliation, and to building a brighter and more inclusive future for all Queenslanders.”

“The disadvantage experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples makes tonight’s successes all the more important and humbling.      

“Thank you for your courage and determination.”       

2017 Queensland Reconciliation Awards Ambassador Johnathan Thurston also congratulated the award recipients.

“Congratulations to this year’s award recipients. It’s inspiring to see the innovative approaches these organisations have taken toward fostering reconciliation, and I look forward to hearing more of their positive and impactful outcomes in the future,” Mr Thurston said.

“As the awards Ambassador, I am honoured to have shared in the reconciliation journey and celebrated the many achievements of Queenslanders who work tirelessly to build a united community for our future generations.”

The winning organisations each received $5000 prize money.

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, Koori Mail and ABC Radio Brisbane and Queensland.

Further information on the award recipients can be viewed at www.qld.gov.au/reconciliation  

2017 Queensland Reconciliation Awards winners

Business category proudly supported by the Koori Mail
The Woodward Family CaPTA Group

Community category proudly supported by ABC Brisbane and Queensland
Cairns Hockey Association for Aspire to be Deadly

Education category proudly supported by BHP Billiton
North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre for North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre and Woppaburra Traditional Owners

Partnership category proudly supported by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Ports North for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Premier’s Reconciliation Award
Puuya Foundation for Developing Everyday Leaders—The Puuya Foundation and Lockhart River Aboriginal Community

Media contact: Premier’s Office Susan McGrady 0488 996 667