Published Tuesday, 05 August, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Front-row support: Queenslanders urged to enter multicultural awards
Queenslanders are being urged to join the likes of rugby league front-rower Petero Civoniceva, and other prominent Australians such as Pat Rafter, Nick Earls and Sigrid Thornton, and be part of the Queensland Multicultural Awards.
Communities and Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said nominations were now open for the 2008 awards, which recognise and celebrate people who have dedicated their time and effort towards promoting and supporting diversity in the community.
“The Queensland Multicultural Awards are about celebrating diversity – one of this state’s greatest assets,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“In the lead up to last year’s awards ceremony, Fijian-born Petero Civoniceva – the Penrith Panthers skipper and former Bronco – was crowned a Multicultural Achiever for his contribution to multiculturalism through rugby league.
“But you don’t have to be a front-row forward to be in the running for an award, with various awards offered in five different award categories.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the main award categories were Community-Based Organisations, Schools, Business, Government and Individual.
”The awards are open to all Queensland residents and I encourage people to nominate individuals and groups who have worked towards improving our culturally-diverse community,” she said.
“Last year, 11 multicultural awards were presented to remarkable Queenslanders, such as Sister de Lourdes Jarrett, from Nudgee, who received an Individual Award for supporting refugees and their families.
“Winners historically all have one thing in common – and that is total dedication towards achieving cultural harmony and a brighter future for those who are marginalised.
“It makes for tough judging for the selection panel, but it’s tremendously heart-warming to be able to pay tribute to people whose work enriches our community.”
In addition to the open awards program, every year a prominent Queenslander is also named Multicultural Champion, while another four are honoured as Multicultural Achievers, like Petero Civoniceva.
“These special accolades acknowledge outstanding contributions to multiculturalism made by recipients through their professions and are announced in the lead up to the annual awards ceremony in November,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“I look forward to recognising and celebrating the achievements of people who have helped to advance multiculturalism in Queensland.
“Nominations for the open awards program close Friday 5 September, so I urge people to think of deserving recipients and to get those nominations in quick!”
For more information on the Queensland Multicultural Awards, including past award recipients, or to downland nomination guidelines and an application form, visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Communities and Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said nominations were now open for the 2008 awards, which recognise and celebrate people who have dedicated their time and effort towards promoting and supporting diversity in the community.
“The Queensland Multicultural Awards are about celebrating diversity – one of this state’s greatest assets,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“In the lead up to last year’s awards ceremony, Fijian-born Petero Civoniceva – the Penrith Panthers skipper and former Bronco – was crowned a Multicultural Achiever for his contribution to multiculturalism through rugby league.
“But you don’t have to be a front-row forward to be in the running for an award, with various awards offered in five different award categories.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the main award categories were Community-Based Organisations, Schools, Business, Government and Individual.
”The awards are open to all Queensland residents and I encourage people to nominate individuals and groups who have worked towards improving our culturally-diverse community,” she said.
“Last year, 11 multicultural awards were presented to remarkable Queenslanders, such as Sister de Lourdes Jarrett, from Nudgee, who received an Individual Award for supporting refugees and their families.
“Winners historically all have one thing in common – and that is total dedication towards achieving cultural harmony and a brighter future for those who are marginalised.
“It makes for tough judging for the selection panel, but it’s tremendously heart-warming to be able to pay tribute to people whose work enriches our community.”
In addition to the open awards program, every year a prominent Queenslander is also named Multicultural Champion, while another four are honoured as Multicultural Achievers, like Petero Civoniceva.
“These special accolades acknowledge outstanding contributions to multiculturalism made by recipients through their professions and are announced in the lead up to the annual awards ceremony in November,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“I look forward to recognising and celebrating the achievements of people who have helped to advance multiculturalism in Queensland.
“Nominations for the open awards program close Friday 5 September, so I urge people to think of deserving recipients and to get those nominations in quick!”
For more information on the Queensland Multicultural Awards, including past award recipients, or to downland nomination guidelines and an application form, visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280