- Nominations for the 2023 Multicultural Queensland Awards are now open
- The awards recognise individuals and organisations who support people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds across the state
- The awards have previously recognised community volunteers, groups, businesses, government agencies and media whose long-term efforts have helped all Queenslanders to participate in our economy and community since 1990
Nominations for the 2023 Multicultural Queensland Awards are now open.
The awards recognise outstanding Queenslanders who contribute to a unified and harmonious community by putting inclusion into action.
The awards are an opportunity to recognise the passion and commitment of individuals and organisations who are going above and beyond to create welcome and belonging and, in so doing, make Queensland communities strong and cohesive.
Awards will be presented during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.
The theme for the Multicultural Queensland Month 2023 is Many Cultures, one Queensland: putting inclusion into action which aims to encourage all Queenslanders to celebrate their unique cultural differences while working together to ensure an inclusive state for all.
Last year's awards ceremony celebrated worthy winners such as Aqua English Project co-founder Sarah Scarce for her outstanding contribution to the community by helping more than 33,000 migrants and refugees learn to swim.
Other winners included Kerry McQuillan from Randstad who received the Minister's Multicultural Award, Sheetal Deo who received an award for Outstanding Contribution from a New Queenslander, and the Indooroopilly Uniting Church Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub, which was named Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard:
"Multicultural Queensland Month is a time for all of us to be proud of our unique cultural differences while working together to make Queensland an inclusive home for everyone.
"Through the Multicultural Queensland Awards, we want to recognise those incredible individuals, groups and businesses that go above and beyond to create thriving communities, where everyone is encouraged to connect, contribute and belong.
"If you know an organisation or individual who is dedicated to breaking down cultural barriers and creating an inclusive Queensland, now is the time to nominate them.
"All of last year's Multicultural Queensland Award winners and highly commended nominees demonstrate that everyone has something to contribute, and when we all contribute, we help strengthen Queensland's local communities.
"We are stronger when we work together to ensure everyone has the opportunity to forge connections and contribute their skills to their local community – it's how we can build better social and economic inclusion – and these awards recognise the Queenslanders who make that happen."
Quotes attributable to Aqua English Project co-founder Sarah Scarce:
"It's wonderful to be among last year's winners of the Multicultural Queensland Awards. I'm so proud of our team at the Aqua English Project, especially all our hardworking volunteers.
"We use swimming as a conduit for cultural English language immersion, up-skilling, and employment – not to mention, to help save lives through our preventative drowning strategy – and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together.
"Over the last 17 years, we have helped more than 33,000 Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to feel confident and empowered, and we're looking forward to see that number grow year after year."
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
This year the award categories are:
- Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander
- Diversity and Inclusion Champion
- Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever and
- the Minister's Multicultural Award for the outstanding achievements of a nominee, selected by the Minister from all nominations.
Nominations close on Wednesday 5 April 2023 and winners will be announced during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.
