Johnathan Thurston named Queensland Reconciliation Awards Ambassador

Johnathan Thurston has accepted the honour of being the 2013 ambassador for the Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

Premier Campbell Newman and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes announced the appointment today, praising Mr Thurston’s achievements and commitment to the community.

“Johnathan Thurston is a leading player and proud Indigenous Australian and he will be an excellent advocate for the awards, with reconciliation close to his heart,” Mr Newman said.

“These awards are all about recognising businesses, educational institutions, local councils and community organisations that have initiatives in place that actively promote reconciliation.”

Mr Elmes said reconciliation was about building respectful partnerships and providing new opportunities across Queensland.

“Whether an Indigenous or non-Indigenous organisation, a grassroots community group or large multinational, there are no limits when it comes to making a difference,” Mr Elmes said.

“Johnathan will be a great ambassador for the 2013 awards and we look forward to working with him to encourage nominations from across Queensland.”

Mr Thurston said he was looking forward to his new role.

“It is a great honour to be asked by the Premier to take on such a key role in acknowledging the fantastic initiatives and the organisations that are delivering them through the Queensland Reconciliation Awards,” Mr Thurston said.

“These awards are a step forward in highlighting the action that is being taken every day to ‘close the gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”   

Nominations are now open for the 2013 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

A total prize pool of $25,000 will be awarded across five categories: Business, Education, Community, Partnership and an overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award.

For more information about the awards or to download a nomination form visit www.reconciliation.qld.gov.au or telephone 07 3405 5215.

The Queensland Reconciliation Awards are an initiative of the Queensland Government through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs.

The awards are proudly supported by Indigenous Business Australia, Leighton Contractors, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, 612 ABC Brisbane, ABC Local Radio and the Koori Mail.

[ENDS] 8 March 2013

Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
                            Lynette Keep (Minister Elmes) 0419 620 299