Last chance to nominate great Queensland women

Minister for Women Di Farmer has urged Queenslanders to nominate more women for the 2018 Queensland Greats Awards.

Ms Farmer said women had made incredible contributions to shaping Queensland and she wanted them to be recognised.

“There are so many women out there with incredible stories, of hardship and triumph, of remarkable achievement, and those stories need to be told,” Ms Farmer said.

“We know those women are out there, and yet far fewer women than men are nominated to become Queensland Greats.

“Of the nominations already in progress this year, so far only 20 per cent of them are for women. That compares to 15 per cent in 2016 and 20 per cent in 2017.

“Women have made an enormous contribution to Queensland and it is time to appreciate this through our awards, whether as individuals, through an institution or posthumously.”

With nominations closing at 5pm this Friday 23 February, Ms Farmer asked Queenslanders to consider those whose impact on the development of Queensland is significant, long-lasting and shows commitment to the state.

“The Queensland Greats Awards are an opportunity to recognise publicly Queenslanders who have shown dedication to advancing our great state, and I would really like to encourage women leaders in our communities, in public service, in business and in government to nominate,” Ms Farmer said.

Emeritus Professor Cindy Shannon FQA was among the recipients of a Queensland Greats Award last year, and Ms Farmer said now is the time for people to nominate someone who also deserves to be recognised.

“Past recipients include The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, Deborah Mailman, Dr Dimity Dornan AO and the late Diane Cilento, and I call upon Queenslanders everywhere to think hard about who should join that illustrious roll of honour,” Ms Farmer said.

“We are incredibly lucky to have so many people who demonstrate what it means to be a Queenslander every day of every week, and I urge everyone to think about who deserves to be honoured as a Queensland Great.”

The Queensland Greats Awards is in its 18th year. Since its inception in 2001, more than 88 individuals and 13 institutions have been recognised for their role in shaping Queensland. To make a nomination or find out more about the Queensland Greats Awards, visit www.qld.gov.au/qldgreats. Nominations close at 5pm this Friday 23 February 2018.

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman                       0427 781 920