Nominations open for Multicultural Queensland Awards

Nominations are now open for this year’s Multicultural Queensland Awards.

The annual awards recognise the outstanding contributions by organisations or individuals helping to build an inclusive Queensland.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard said the awards were an exciting opportunity to acknowledge the diverse Queensland organisations and individuals who made Queensland communities stronger and more cohesive.

“This year we have refreshed the awards program and will be looking to recognise contributions by newly arrived Queenslanders, our state’s champions of inclusion and belonging, and exceptional multicultural sector efforts that are innovative and intercultural,” Ms Linard said.

“These awards are about recognising the contributions of individuals, groups, business and government which bring people together and make the most of our incredible cultural, religious and linguistic diversity here in Queensland.

“They highlight the fact that everyone has something to contribute, and when we all contribute, we all help strengthen Queensland communities.”

In 2020, the awards were cancelled due to COVID-19 with funding redirected to community-based partners who played a critical role ensuring appropriate help was available for Queenslanders from diverse backgrounds, particularly the most vulnerable.

However, 2019 saw worthy winners such as Ocean Cheung for co-founding Startup Interns to support international students in finding work experience; Keebra Park State High School for providing a holistic approach to learning English for their diverse school community; and Tambo Teddies for providing employment opportunities for newly arrived refugees.

This year the award categories are:

• Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander
• Diversity and Inclusion Champion
• Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever
• Minister’s Multicultural Award - for the outstanding achievements of a nominee, selected by the Minister from all nominations.

Nominations close at 5pm on Monday 10 May and winners will be announced during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.

For more information, to nominate online or to download the nomination form visit  www.qld.gov.au/MQA

ENDS

Media contact: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116