Queenslanders working to build equity and inclusion have been honoured at the 2021 Multicultural Queensland Awards ceremony at the Queensland Museum.
More than 150 people gathered for the award ceremony including award winners, highly commended recipients and dignitaries including members of the Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard congratulated the four award recipients on their work to build an inclusive, harmonious and united Queensland.
"Passion unites our winners and guests who attended the awards night – a passion for creating inclusive communities and a passion for creating equitable access to services," Minister Linard said.
"These awards highlighted the outstanding work performed by individuals and organisations each and every day to achieve these shared goals."
The awards celebrated and recognised contributions from newly arrived Queenslanders, state champions of inclusion and belonging, and exceptional multicultural sector efforts that were innovative and intercultural.
The winners of the 2021 Multicultural Queensland Awards were:
- Outstanding Contribution from a new Queenslander:15-year-old Zimra Hussain who is on her way to becoming the first woman from a Muslim background to play for the Brisbane Lions AFL Women's team
- Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever: Habib Jamal, President of the Islamic Council of Queensland, Multicultural Ambassador for Mental Health Foundation Australia and trustee of the Gold Coast Mosque
- Diversity and Inclusion Champion: Pushing Barriers, a not-for-profit organisation linking refugees to sports opportunities
- Minister's Multicultural Award: Beny Bol OAM, President of the Queensland African Communities Council.
The Minister said a highlight of the night was the Minister's Multicultural Award which recognised genuine collaboration between government and the community.
"As Minister for Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs I am deeply committed to supporting young people who may be feeling disconnected from community support," she said.
"The winner of the Minister's award shares this commitment and is an excellent collaborator with all levels of government and a passionate advocate for Queenslanders of African backgrounds.
"I congratulate Beny Bol OAM, President of the Queensland African Communities Council who received this year's Minister's award for his tireless work towards our shared goal of creating a safe and welcoming community for all."
