Public housing tenants across the state, with a passion for gardening, arts, culture, volunteering or their community, are encouraged to enter the popular My Home Awards that recognise tenants' efforts to improve their homes and communities.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the 2021 My Home Awards – Connections are now open.
"We have thousands of wonderful public housing tenants across the state – people who are making their homes and their communities better places to live," Minister Enoch said.
"The My Home Awards celebrate their positive contributions and connections to their homes, communities and culture.
"We know that a home is much more than simply a roof over our heads – it's where our families grow and where memories are made.
"Everyday Queenslanders living in public housing demonstrate pride for their homes, and we want to acknowledge them and their efforts."
The 2021 My Home Awards - Connections is open to tenants of all ages, including children.
Minister Enoch said there are a number of different award categories.
"There are four garden categories – balconies and courtyards, gardens in detached homes, communal gardens for individuals or groups of tenants and gardens created by children and young people under 18 years," she said.
"We encourage all entries, from experienced gardeners to those who are just starting out.
"This year, we also have new categories that give people an opportunity to embrace their creative sides and community spirit.
"We want people to celebrate what home means to me through a creative medium, such as a story or poem that reflects how important their home is to them.
"The community and culture category allows people to share how they connect with, or celebrate their community.
"This could be ways you volunteer, support your neighbours, celebrate cultural events or other ways you connect," Ms Enoch said.
Townsville public housing tenant Sue won a My Home Award in 2019 after combining her passion for garden and art.
Sue creates unique art from repurposed items that she collects from her neighbours and local community and often these art pieces find a place in her garden. "I love my home. It's my piece of paradise," Sue said.
"I'm currently making a raised veggie bed from recycled pallets.
"I'm going to grow some ginger as well as turmeric and some different herbs and see what comes up.
"A while ago I made 'home sweet home' signs for my neighbours from recycled materials and they really liked them."
There are multiple prizes for each category, including vouchers and hampers to the value of $80 for first prize, $50 for runner up and $30 for highly commended. Entries close on Friday 29 October 2021.
