- Nominations for 2026 Multicultural Queensland Awards now open.
- There are seven awards categories recognising outstanding individuals and organisations working for their communities in Queensland.
- Nominations close on 17 May and award recipients will be honoured at a special ceremony during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.
- The Crisafulli Government is supporting and empowering multicultural communities after Labor treated them simply as a box-ticking exercise.
The Crisafulli Government has opened nominations for the prestigious Multicultural Queensland Awards to shine a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations in strengthening social cohesion across the State.
The awards recognise Queenslanders who are making a real difference in their communities and helping to unite people from all walks of life – including culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The community is encouraged to nominate individuals or organisations who are supporting their communities and contributing to a more harmonious Queensland.
This year the awards will feature seven categories – including a new category to specifically recognise entrepreneurs who are driving real change and creating new economic opportunities for Queensland.
Award winners will be honoured at a special ceremony with the Minister, which is a centrepiece of celebrations during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.
The Crisafulli Government is supporting and empowering multicultural communities across Queensland after the former Labor government treated them as a box-ticking exercise during a decade of decline.
Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said nominating a fellow Queenslander for a Multicultural Queensland Award is a meaningful way to recognise those who are giving back to their communities.
"Ahead of the official ceremony in August, we're putting the call out for the community to nominate fellow Queenslanders who are stepping up and making a real difference in their local communities," Minister Simpson said.
"Across Queensland, there are individuals who are going above and beyond for their community, and organisations which are strengthening community spirit and social cohesion – these contributions should be recognised and celebrated.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to recognising the incredible work of those quiet achievers who are making Queensland a more welcoming, inclusive and connected place to live.
"We are focused on uplifting and empowering our multicultural communities, after they were neither valued nor supported during a decade of decline under Labor."
Baptist pastor Emil Rahimov, who received the Minister's Multicultural Award last year and has since been appointed to the Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council, said being recognised was an "inspiring" experience that stayed with him.
"It was very humbling. I stand on the shoulders of heroes before me," Mr Rahimov said.
"When you nominate someone, or someone wins, it highlights the people out there doing the hard work, creating social cohesion, and making the place we call home an even better place to live and enjoy.
"It's inspiring to know that you're not working in vain, that it's making a difference and that you should keep going."
The 2026 awards categories are:
- Volunteer of the Year
- Women's Economic Empowerment Award
- Social Cohesion and Community Impact Project of the Year
- Grassroots Not-For-Profit Award
- Lifetime Achiever Award
- Minister's Multicultural Award
- Entrepreneur of the Year
Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 17 May, and can be submitted here: https://www.qld.gov.au/mqa
