Queenslanders are encouraged to apply now for a share in the Palaszczuk Government's $150,000 Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program 2022.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford today opened the popular grants program dedicated to community reconciliation efforts.
"Up to 38 Queensland-based reconciliation celebrations will be supported in this round of grants for events to be held in or around National Reconciliation Week in 2022," Mr Crawford said.
"In the spirit of truth-telling, understanding, respect and reconciliation, grants of up to $15,000 will support local events bringing together Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Queenslanders," he said.
"Past rounds have inspired reconciliation activities like traditional performances, cultural displays, art exhibitions, story-telling and fun runs acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions."
National Reconciliation Week is held each year from 27 May to 3 June and commemorates two significant milestones in Australian's reconciliation journey—the successful 1967 referendum and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision.
Mr Crawford said community reconciliation events — big and small — help advance reconciliation across the state.
"This year, Queenslanders celebrated National Reconciliation Week differently, but just as passionately, in COVID-safe ways and we look forward to more innovative, inspiring and inclusive reconciliation celebrations," he said.
"Since launching in 2018, our dedicated grants program has supported more than 100 reconciliation events in communities including Cape York and the Torres Strait, Gold Coast, Barcaldine, Winton and Doomadgee.
"Reconciliation is at the heart of Queensland's Path to Treaty and there is a place for all Queenslanders on our shared journey towards a more fair, inclusive and respectful future."
The Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program is proudly funded by the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.
Apply now or find out more at qld.gov.au/recgrants
Applications close 3pm AEST on Friday 17 December 2021.
Previous grants include:
In North Queensland, a Celebrating Reconciliation Grant supported Cowboys fans to explore the heritage and culture of First Nations peoples with a cultural walk to open the team's Deadly Choices Round. The club worked with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to gather local artists and musicians to showcase and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Fans attending the game were led through a market-style walkway with marquees, displays and activations to promote inclusiveness and cultural awareness.
On the Sunshine Coast, Crystal Waters Community Cooperative used its Celebrating Reconciliation Grant to hold a free bush food lunch for locals to celebrate partnerships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people. Elders and cultural leaders shared their experiences of reconciliation with the community while everyone enjoyed the traditional tucker.
In the Wide-Bay Burnett region, a Celebrating Reconciliation Grant supported a Stepping Black Indigenous Corporation's family fun day — bringing together the Eidsvold community for arts, crafts, dance and sport. Participants were invited to contribute their painted handprint to a fabric mural to signify their shared commitment to reconciliation.
A Celebrating Reconciliation Grant supported Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Ltd (Lifeline Darling Downs) to host the Cunnamulla Reconciliation Ball in the local hall. Guests at the free event were given access to a pop-up Lifeline shop providing ball gowns and suits. The event opened with Welcome to Country performed by a Kunja Elder who also played a song in the Kunja language. Elders told stories about their experiences growing up in Cunnamulla and speeches covered the significance and history of National Reconciliation Week, encouraging guests to contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
