JT calls for Qld Reconciliation Week nominations

When it comes to calling for nominations to recognise cultural unity and strengthening communities in Queensland, there can be no better person than rugby league icon Johnathan Thurston.

‘JT’ as fans call him, is encouraging nominations in a range of categories, with the winners being announced during National Reconciliation Week (May 27-June 3).

“These awards shine a light on the incredible efforts of Queensland initiatives making a real difference in reconciliation, and I encourage you to nominate to help showcase their impact and inspire others to follow,” JT said.

Award categories span Business, Community, Education, Health and wellbeing, and Partnership, ensuring diverse initiatives across Queensland are recognised.

• Business – for initiatives focused on building economic growth, employment, skills and career development, workplace inclusion and diversified opportunities through reconciliation in Queensland.
• Community – for initiatives focused on improving community relations and engagement and strengthening social cohesion through reconciliation in Queensland.
• Education – for educational initiatives focused on championing reconciliation through cultural capability and knowledge sharing in communities and educational institutions in Queensland.
• Health and wellbeing – for health and wellbeing initiatives focused on closing the gap and improving equity and access and First Nations health and wellbeing outcomes in Queensland.
• Partnership – for initiatives consisting of two or more organisations with an equal and mutually beneficial relationship and input into the initiatives objectives and outcomes fostering reconciliation in Queensland.

Awards ambassador and contemporary Aboriginal artist Chern’ee Sutton is also a supporter of the awards.

“Recognising the many remarkable initiatives through these awards strengthens connections, celebrates our rich heritage and culture, and inspires ongoing positive change in local communities,” Ms Sutton said.

Actor Jim Bani and is another awards ambassador, known for his outstanding contributions to stage and screen.

“Every story matters,” he said.

“When we share and listen to one another, we grow stronger as a community. These awards celebrate those whose work is helping to tell the stories that shape our future,”

Brisbane Lions AFLW premiership player Ally Anderson, a proud Gangulu woman and passionate advocate for Indigenous youth, is a newly appointed ambassador for 2025.

“It’s about empowering people to take pride in their stories and inspiring future generations. That’s what these awards celebrate, and I’m honoured to be part of it,” Ms Anderson said.

Nominations are now open and will close on Monday, 10 March 2025.

For more information, visit the 2025 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

* The 2025 Queensland Reconciliation Awards is proudly supported by Bank of Queensland, The University of Queensland, James Cook University, Santos, QUT, and 612 ABC Radio Brisbane.