The Multicultural Queensland Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations working towards an inclusive multicultural Queensland.
The Awards ceremony is part of Multicultural Queensland Month in August and is focussed on creating a more inclusive multicultural Queensland through learning, action and celebration.
Nominations for 2025 are now closed.
Recognising the outstanding contribution of a Queenslander who has actively contributed to improving their local community or Queensland society. This can be through activities such as social enterprise or business that provides opportunities for others, volunteering or actively contributing to a local community group.
This category is for individuals who have arrived from overseas to live in
Queensland in the past 10 years (i.e. arrived in Queensland between 2015 and 2025).
Recognising individuals who work or volunteer within the Queensland Multicultural Sector* who are taking innovative approaches and achieving outstanding success in supporting Queenslanders from diverse backgrounds to participate and contribute to the social and economic life of Queensland.
Recognising individuals who have gone out of their way to break down barriers to participation for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and created ways to build a sense of belonging and welcome in Queensland.
This category is open to individuals who work or volunteer in organisations outside the Queensland Multicultural Sector*.
(Note: individuals who work within the Queensland Multicultural Sector can apply under the Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever category).
Recognising an extraordinary individual who has demonstrated an outstanding long-term commitment to supporting and promoting a harmonious and united multicultural Queensland.
This category specifically recognises individuals who have devoted twenty (20) years or more to building an equitable, fair and inclusive Queensland where people from all backgrounds can experience a sense of welcome and belonging.
Recognising non-government organisations, not-for-profit and community groups from the Queensland Multicultural Sector* who are working innovatively and achieving outstanding success in supporting Queenslanders from diverse backgrounds to participate and contribute to the social and economic life of Queensland.
Recognising corporations, businesses, community organisations and government agencies that have gone out of their way to break down barriers to participation for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and created ways to build a sense of belonging in Queensland.
This category specifically recognises organisations that identify and facilitate opportunities for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to have their skills and experiences recognised and better utilised.
This category is open to organisations outside the Queensland Multicultural Sector*
Recognises the outstanding contributions of a nominee, selected by the Minister for Multiculturalism from nominations across all categories.
*Queensland Multicultural Sector refers to organisations and individuals whose core business is to support people from diverse backgrounds including migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, international students and Australian South Sea Islander Queenslanders.
One winner is selected from each category and recognised at the Multicultural Queensland Awards ceremony held during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.
Nominations are reviewed and assessed by an independent judging panel external and internal to the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism.
The judges will assess only the information provided in the nomination, using the responses to the questions and criteria for each category.
The Minister for Multiculturalism will select an outstanding nominee to receive the Minister’s Multicultural Award. If you have any questions regarding the Multicultural Queensland Awards contact MQM@maq.qld.gov.au.
Yes, self-nominations are accepted.
No, you cannot nominate the same person/organisation under multiple categories for the same initiative or activity. Each nomination should only be submitted under ONE category.
You can submit more than one nomination from you or an organisation, as long as they are for different people/organisations, initiatives or activities
Yes, if the business operations are in Queensland.
Yes, however, they must be nominated for a completely different project or activity.
The winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony in August during Multicultural Queensland Month. The winners will be promoted via Queensland Government websites and social media channels and may be selected to be interviewed by media organisations.
Unsuccessful nominees will be advised of the outcome and feedback on their nomination can be provided upon request. The Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism welcomes any feedback on the nomination process by email to: MQM@maq.qld.gov.au.
Nominations are accepted in your language. If you are planning to submit a nomination in your language, please email MQM@maq.qld.gov.au for further information at least one week prior to the awards nominations closing date.
Interpreting services are available for people who have difficulty communicating in English. If you have difficulty understanding these frequently asked questions or would feel more comfortable discussing your questions in your own language, please telephone 1800 512 451 and ask for an interpreter.
