Nominations closing soon for 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards

Time is running out to nominate Queensland’s ‘reconciliation champions’ for the 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards – honouring the businesses, community groups, educational institutions and partnerships making outstanding contributions on the road to reconciliation.  

Since its inception in 2003, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Awards had recognised more than 100 initiatives and partnerships, fostering a fairer, more inclusive Queensland.

“While our Path to Treaty journey formally began in 2019, for more than two decades the Queensland Government has been celebrating reconciliation in action through the Queensland Reconciliation Awards,” the Premier said.

“The process of advancing reconciliation can – and should – be part of everyday Queensland life, whether it be through pioneering projects in the classroom, in business, or out in the community.

“There are so many inspiring reconciliation initiatives happening across our State, and now we need your help to identify the most creative, innovative and impactful for this year’s Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

“With nominations closing on Friday 3 February, there’s still time to make a submission, and highlight the important work of our reconciliation champions.”

In 2022, the Queensland Reconciliation Awards recognised five initiatives demonstrating ‘reconciliation in action’, including the Yarrie Yarns project – the winner in the Partnership category, as well as the winner of the overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award.

The social media project - delivered in partnership with the Wugu Nyambil, Yarrabah Shire Council and the Queensland Police Service – was celebrated for influencing positive social change, by sharing First Nations stories of achievement, opportunity and resilience. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford encouraged Queenslanders to nominate projects and initiatives that further promote reconciliation and truth telling.

“The Queensland Reconciliation Awards are an important part of the incredible momentum sweeping the nation in our reconciliation journey,’’ Minister Crawford said.

“We want to inspire and encourage reconciliation action today for a better tomorrow.

“The Awards highlight First Nations and non-Indigenous partnerships working towards a more equitable, inclusive society.

“I encourage Queenslanders to celebrate outstanding examples of reconciliation by nominating an initiative that shows a dedication to building stronger relationships anchored in trust, respect and equality.”

Nominations for the 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards can be submitted across five categories —business, community, education, health and wellbeing, and partnership. An overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award will also be presented to a nominated initiative, with a total of $30,000 in prize money on offer across all categories.

Nominations close at 5pm, Friday 3 February 2023.

For more information or to submit an online nomination, visit www.qld.gov.au/reconciliation

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

The 2023 Awards program is proudly supported by Bank of Queensland, The University of Queensland, James Cook University, Santos and the Queensland University of Technology.

ENDS

Media Contact:   Peter Michael (Minister Crawford) - 0477 948 091