The Queensland Government has extended the deadline for the 2024 Celebrating Reconciliation Grants to Monday 29 January 2024.
This year, the Queensland Government is offering grants of up to $5,000 for small events and up to $10,000 for large events, with a total of $200,000 available to support up to 32 events during or around National Reconciliation Week.
Held each year from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision.
The annual event is a chance for all Queenslanders to learn about the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to explore how everyone can contribute to reconciliation.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is ‘Now More Than Ever’ to remind Australians of the ongoing need for connection, respect, action and change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Since 2018, the Queensland Government has provided $689,000 in grant funding to support 198 National Reconciliation Week events and activities across Queensland.
Key criteria for events and activities are to:
Applications close at 12pm (noon) AEST on Monday 29 January. For more information and to apply, visit www.qld.gov.au/recgrants.
“We used the Celebrating Reconciliation Grant to host an event for the hockey community in Cairns, which showcased the league’s Indigenous playing shirt designs and artists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders within the hockey community.
“The event also highlighted and celebrated the link between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and sport, as well as the lands, the sea, and the sky.
“It was a great opportunity for the hockey community, players, supporters and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentors and players to share stories and learn from each other in a shared commitment to reconciliation.”
“With the Queensland Government’s support, Mount Isa City Council hosted multiple events throughout National Reconciliation Week, including children’s storytime at the library, bushtucker tours, and a community cultural painting session.
“These events encouraged the Mount Isa community to recognise, embrace and honour First Nations cultures. The painting session with local artists Cungelella Art was very popular with tourists and locals alike.
“By partnering with local businesses and Elders, we were able to provide an opportunity for the wider community to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture, while ensuring that the events were giving back to Aboriginal peoples and communities.”
“Over 70 people from across the community came together for our reconciliation event, Yarning on Yarun, which was held at the Joondoburri Walk on Bribie Island on 25 June.
“Guests were welcomed to Country by Traditional Custodian Phil Krause and jarjums (children) performed traditional dances led by Aunty Sharron ‘Mirii’ Bell. Brisbane NAIDOC Elder of the Year Aunty Flo Watson then spoke to the crowd about the history of reconciliation.
“Throughout the day, we had First Nations stall holders selling their crafts, yarning circles on the upcoming referendum with Stephen Mam, a weaving circle where people could learn cultural weaving techniques, and a walk with Elders through the Joondoburri Walk trail.
“The sharing of knowledge and experiences promoted a strong sense of community and reconciliation. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the Queensland Government’s support.”
“Our National Reconciliation Week event brought together people from across the community on Gummingurru, a ceremony site near Toowoomba on the country of the Jarowair Aboriginal people, to share knowledge and care for Country.
“It was delivered by Shannon Bauwens, a Traditional Custodian of the Gummingurru site, and began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a truth-telling discussion, which covered the history and cultural significance of the site and included traditional language, song and dance.
“About 80 participants then planted over 200 tree species, learning about their traditional use, knowledge and applications for bushtucker or medicinal purposes, before finishing with a communal meal where they discussed key learnings from the day.
“We were grateful to receive a Celebrating Reconciliation Grant for this event, which contributed to achieving reconciliation by fostering connection through bringing together First Nations and non-Indigenous Queenslanders, facilitating conversations to share knowledge and history, and highlighting the importance of protecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and cultures.”
[ENDS]Media contact: media@dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au
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Last reviewed:12 November 2024
Last modified:12 November 2024
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence
We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors—our First Nations peoples—give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations towards creating a better Queensland.
We will respect, protect and promote human rights within our decision-making and actions.
