By April Murphy
Nominations are now open for 2021’s Multicultural Queensland Awards, which recognises the outstanding contributions by organisations or individuals helping 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 the 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.
The Minister has said that these awards are about recognising individuals, groups, business, and government contributions that 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 in 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 5 pm on Monday, 10 May, and winners will be announced during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.