MEDIA STATEMENT: Queensland Reconciliation Awards to celebrate cultural champions 

Queensland Reconciliation Awards to celebrate cultural champions 

• Nominations are open for the 2025 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.
• Award categories celebrate initiatives supporting and strengthening First Nations communities.
• More than 100 inspiring initiatives and partnerships have been recognised by Queensland Reconciliation Awards. 

Nominations are open for the 2025 Queensland Reconciliation Awards, with businesses, schools, local sporting clubs, councils and government agencies encouraged to apply. 

The awards are a chance to recognise reconciliation programs that improve social relations, enhance health outcomes and support employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Since the inception of the awards in 2003, more than 100 inspiring initiatives and partnerships that support a more inclusive Queensland have been recognised. 

In addition, the Premier’s Reconciliation Award will be presented to a nominated initiative that has demonstrated innovative strategies and exceptional outcomes toward advancing reconciliation in Queensland.  

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Queensland Reconciliation Awards were an important opportunity to celebrate inclusion across the State. 

“We have the longest running continuous culture in the world and that is something we should continue to celebrate and be proud of,” Minister Simpson said.  

“The awards showcase the great work undertaken by community groups, businesses, schools, health services, and other organisations which push the boundaries of reconciliation and improve diversity throughout Queensland. 

“We’re focused on working towards Closing the Gap – prioritising health, housing and educational outcomes to provide First Nations peoples with greater opportunities and reduce disadvantage.

“Reconciliation is everyone’s business, and together we can strengthen our cultural connections and achieve more than we ever could individually.” 

The Queensland Reconciliation Awards ambassador and NRL legend Johnathan Thurston AM encouraged Queenslanders to nominate. 

“These awards shine a light on the incredible efforts of Queensland initiatives making a real difference in reconciliation, and I encourage you to nominate to help showcase their impact and inspire others to follow,” Mr Thurston said.  

Awards ambassador and contemporary Aboriginal artist Chern’ee Sutton said the awards helped deliver a better future for First Nations communities. 

“Recognising the many remarkable initiatives through these awards strengthens connections, celebrates our rich heritage and culture, and inspires ongoing positive change in local communities,” Ms Sutton said.    

Nominations will close on Monday, 10 March, 2025. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Leonard-Jones 0492 840 887 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Announcement of award recipients will be held during National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June 2025). 

Organisations that are helping to strengthen ties with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures can win a share of $30,000 as part of this year’s Queensland Reconciliation Awards. 

The five nomination categories include: 

• Business - for initiatives focused on building economic growth, employment, skills and career development, workplace inclusion and diversified opportunities through reconciliation in Queensland. 
• Community - for initiatives focused on improving community relations and engagement and strengthening social cohesion through reconciliation in Queensland.  
• Education - for educational initiatives focused on championing reconciliation through cultural capability and knowledge sharing in communities and educational institutions in Queensland.
• Health and Wellbeing - for initiatives focused on closing the gap and improving equity and access and First Nations health and wellbeing outcomes in Queensland.
• Partnership - for initiatives consisting of two or more organisations with an equal and mutually beneficial relationship and input into the initiatives objectives and outcomes fostering reconciliation in Queensland. 

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

The 2025 Queensland Reconciliation Awards is proudly supported by Bank of Queensland, The University of Queensland, James Cook University, Santos, QUT, and ABC Radio Brisbane. 

For more information, visit the 2025 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.