Nominations open for Multicultural Queensland Awards

• Nominations for the 2024 Multicultural Queensland Awards are now open
• The awards recognise individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to an inclusive multicultural Queensland
• A new Lifetime Achiever category will recognise those who have made a longstanding commitment to support multiculturalism

Nominations for the 2024 Multicultural Queensland Awards are now open, recognising individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to multiculturalism.

The awards are an important opportunity to share the extraordinary and innovative ways people and organisations are making Queensland communities stronger and more cohesive by ensuring everyone is supported to connect, contribute and belong.

A new Lifetime Achiever category has been added to the annual awards to celebrate extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion in their communities.

Last year’s awards celebrated winners like Ukrainian Community of Queensland President Peter Bongiorni who received the Minister’s Multicultural Award for his tireless advocacy and support of Queensland’s Ukrainian community, including those fleeing the war.

Other winners included Faysel Ahmed Selat from the Somali Community Association of Queensland who received the Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander award, and Dr Maggy Lord from the University of Queensland who received the Diversity and Inclusion Champion (Individual) award.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Child Safety, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Charis Mullen:

“The Multicultural Queensland Awards will again focus on recognising those Queenslanders who are working tirelessly towards a more inclusive multicultural state.

“The awards are an opportunity to showcase the passion and commitment of individuals, groups and organisations who go above and beyond to foster stronger, more inclusive communities.

“This includes recognising contributions made by people who are newly arrived to Queensland, practical ways people have helped others find belonging, and exceptional multicultural sector efforts that are innovative and intercultural.

“This year we have also introduced a new category of Lifetime Achiever, for extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to promote and support multiculturalism in their communities.

“If you know a person or organisation who is breaking down barriers, building intercultural connections, and actively contributing to a more inclusive, harmonious and united community, I encourage you to nominate them now.”

Quotes attributable to Ukrainian Community of Queensland President Peter Bongiorni:

“Winning the Minister’s Multicultural Award was a profoundly humbling experience that highlighted not only my journey but the collective spirit and resilience of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland.

“It serves as a beacon of recognition for the tireless efforts of our community in fostering multicultural harmony and support.

“I strongly encourage others to nominate for the 2024 awards, to celebrate the unsung heroes among us who dedicate themselves to enriching Queensland’s multicultural landscape.”

Further information:

This year the award categories include:

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

Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday 7 April 2024.

The awards will be presented during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.

For more information, please visit Multicultural Queensland Awards 2023 | About Queensland and its government | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au).

 ENDS