Queensland Government announces $200,000 in grant funding for events promoting reconciliation

• Queenslanders can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 to host events and activities bringing communities together for National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June 2024).
• This year’s Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program offers increased funding for local events.
• Since 2018, the Queensland Government has provided $689,000 in grant funding to support 198 events and activities across Queensland.

Queenslanders are encouraged to apply for a share in $200,000 in grant funding for activities promoting reconciliation across the state.

Applications for the Queensland Government’s Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program are now open, with grants of $5,000 or $10,000 available to support events and activities for National Reconciliation Week.

Held each year from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision.

Applications for the 2024 Celebrating Reconciliation Grants close at midday on Monday 22 January 2024.

For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit www.qld.gov.au/recgrants.

Quotes attributable to Minister Leeanne Enoch:

“National Reconciliation Week is a chance for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.

“They also give communities the chance to learn and grow through the sharing and celebration of the oldest continuous living cultures in the world.

“This year, the Palaszczuk Government is offering grants of up to $5,000 for small events.

“There are also grants of up to $10,000 for larger events, with a total of $200,000 available to support up to 32 events during or around National Reconciliation Week in 2024.

“Past rounds of the Celebrating Reconciliation Grants have inspired a wide range of activities – from cooking demonstrations and community concerts to touch footy and tree planting.”

Quotes from recipients of the 2023 Celebrating Reconciliation Grants

Quotes attributable to Julie McNeil, CEO, Aspire Cairns Community Limited (Far North Queensland):

“We used the Celebrating Reconciliation Grant to host an event for the hockey community in Cairns, which showcased the league’s Indigenous playing shirt designs and artists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders within the hockey community.

“The event also highlighted and celebrated the link between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and sport, as well as the lands, the sea, and the sky.

“It was a great opportunity for the hockey community, players, supporters and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentors and players to share stories and learn from each other in a shared commitment to reconciliation.”

Quotes attributable to a spokesperson for Mount Isa City Council (North Queensland):

“With the Queensland Government’s support, Mount Isa City Council hosted multiple events throughout National Reconciliation Week, including children’s storytime at the library, bushtucker tours, and a community cultural painting session.

“These events encouraged the Mount Isa community to recognise, embrace and honour First Nations cultures. The painting session with local artists Cungelella Art was very popular with tourists and locals alike.

“By partnering with local businesses and Elders, we were able to provide an opportunity for the wider community to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture, while ensuring that the events were giving back to Aboriginal peoples and communities.”

Quotes attributable to Michelle Watson, Chairperson, Pumicestone Indigenous Education and Employment Council Inc. (South East Queensland):

“Over 70 people from across the community came together for our reconciliation event, Yarning on Yarun, which was held at the Joondoburri Walk on Bribie Island on 25 June.

“Guests were welcomed to Country by Traditional Custodian Phil Krause and jarjums (children) performed traditional dances led by Aunty Sharron ‘Mirii’ Bell. Brisbane NAIDOC Elder of the Year Aunty Flo Watson then spoke to the crowd about the history of reconciliation.

“Throughout the day, we had First Nations stall holders selling their crafts, yarning circles on the upcoming referendum with Stephen Mam, a weaving circle where people could learn cultural weaving techniques, and a walk with Elders through the Joondoburri Walk trail.

“The sharing of knowledge and experiences promoted a strong sense of community and reconciliation. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the Queensland Government’s support.”

Quotes attributable to Geoff Reid, Growth Facilitator, Southern Queensland Natural Resources Management Ltd. (SQ Landscapes) (Central South West):

“Our National Reconciliation Week event brought together people from across the community on Gummingurru, a ceremony site near Toowoomba on the country of the Jarowair Aboriginal people, to share knowledge and care for Country.

“It was delivered by Shannon Bauwens, a Traditional Custodian of the Gummingurru site, and began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a truth-telling discussion, which covered the history and cultural significance of the site and included traditional language, song and dance.

“About 80 participants then planted over 200 tree species, learning about their traditional use, knowledge and applications for bushtucker or medicinal purposes, before finishing with a communal meal where they discussed key learnings from the day.

“We were grateful to receive a Celebrating Reconciliation Grant for this event, which contributed to achieving reconciliation by fostering connection through bringing together First Nations and non-Indigenous Queenslanders, facilitating conversations to share knowledge and history, and highlighting the importance of protecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and cultures.”

Explainer/fast facts and/or further information:

• The Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program is designed to support events and activities held in or around National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June).
• Key criteria for events and activities are to:
  • promote and facilitate truth-telling, healing, trust and respectful relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Queenslanders
  • promote inclusion through strengthening relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Queenslanders
  • raise community awareness of National Reconciliation Week
  • offer community members opportunities to learn, share, and grow – for example, through sharing stories about past events, and showcasing local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, arts and cultural activities.
• The 2024 grants program will support up to 32 Queensland-based reconciliation events held in or around National Reconciliation Week.
• Organisations can apply for grants of up to $5,000 or up to $10,000 (exclusive of GST) per event, with a total of $200,000 in grant funding available.

ENDS

Media contact – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563