Sixteen Queensland businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and partnerships have been recognised for their commitment to reconciliation, announced as finalists of the 2018 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.
This year’s pool of finalists include organisations and initiatives focused on employment opportunities for Indigenous people and cross-cultural understanding, the sharing of Indigenous culture through fashion, theatre and community events such as music and arts festivals and fun runs, and the strengthening of educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
Queensland Reconciliation Awards Ambassador Johnathan Thurston said he was excited by the strength and diversity of the nominations acknowledged through the awards this year. “I’ve been Ambassador for this program since 2013 and during this time have seen many inspiring organisations making real change in reconciliation. I’m pleased to see such a diverse and innovative range of programs and initiatives being honoured through this year’s awards,” Mr Thurston said. “I’m looking forward to hearing more about all of the inspiring finalists and seeing the positive impact they have on our communities. And of course, I look forward to finding out who the deserving winners will be.”
Award recipients will be announced at a ceremony in Cairns on Wednesday 30 May, during National Reconciliation Week. Winning projects across the categories of business, community, education, partnership and the Premier’s Reconciliation Award receive $5000 prize money each.
2018 Queensland Reconciliation Awards finalists for business include, Rio Tinton Aluminium Limited, Downer Group, Ausco Modular Pty Ltd. and Native Swimwear Australia. The finalists for Community are Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group Inc, Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, Clayfield Childcare Association Inc and Orange Sky Australia. The education finalists include Mabel Park State High School, Bald Hills State School, Tamborine Mountain State School and Eidsvold P-12 State School. The Partnership category also nominated finalists from Queensland Theatre, Office of the Commonwealth Games, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Jungle Love Festival and Digi Youth Arts.
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