New year, new chance to nominate your multicultural heroes
- Nominations for the 2025 Multicultural Queensland Awards open on Monday 3 February.
- The awards recognise individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to a prosperous, fair and harmonious multicultural Queensland.
- Previous winners include community volunteers, groups, businesses, government agencies and media.
As tens of thousands of Queenslanders celebrate the start of Lunar New Year, the Crisafulli Government has announced nominations for the 2025 Multicultural Queensland Awards will open next week.
The awards are an important opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations who are dedicated to building a stronger and more cohesive Queensland.
As we slide into the Year of the Snake, symbolic of wisdom and renewal, the Multicultural Queensland Awards put a spotlight on the benefits that come from creating and supporting diverse communities.
Around 20 per cent of Queensland residents were born overseas, with more than 190 languages spoken, and 110 religions practised.
Previous award winners have been celebrated for establishing inclusivity in areas such as health, education, employment, and community services.
The Crisafulli Government is focused on building better and more diverse communities, with its Multicultural Connect program, offering grants to support not-for-profit multicultural community groups.
Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said these awards are an opportunity to recognise outstanding citizenship and celebrate those who break down barriers to inclusion.
"It's important we acknowledge and support those who are champions for social inclusion, so people can participate and lead a full life in Queensland," Minister Simpson said.
"I encourage Queenslanders from all walks of life to nominate someone who inspires them – someone who is making a real difference in our multicultural communities, who is building intercultural connections, helping others find belonging, and actively contributing to a more prosperous and harmonious community."
Sara Shams, who was recognised at last year's awards, is a strong advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse people living with disabilities.
A Bangladesh-born disability advocate, speaker, model, and healthcare professional, Ms Shams said it was an incredible honour to be recognised.
"As a proud woman of colour and someone who has a disability, I am deeply committed to improving diversity, inclusion and disability rights in Queensland," Ms Shams said.
"Through the Multicultural Queensland Awards, our voices are amplified, and our stories are shared with the broader community."
Register your email online at www.qld.gov.au/mqa to be alerted when the Multicultural Queensland Awards open on Monday 3 February 2025.
