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Multicultural Queensland Awards 2026: Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the 2026 Multicultural Queensland Awards, recognising contributions to social cohesion and multicultural communities.
The Multicultural Queensland Awards recognise individuals, organisations and community groups contributing to social cohesion and multicultural engagement across Queensland. The awards highlight initiatives that support connections between communities and deliver measurable outcomes.
Award recipients will be announced during Multicultural Queensland Month in August 2026.
Nominations are open until 11:59pm on Sunday 17 May 2026.
Award Categories
The awards cover a range of contributions across community, economic and social initiatives:
Volunteer of the Year: Recognises individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who contribute their time and skills through volunteer work in Queensland.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Recognises an organisation or individual from a culturally diverse background whose entrepreneurial activity has generated new economic opportunities in Queensland.
Women’s Economic Empowerment: Recognises a woman supporting economic participation and financial independence for women from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Grassroots Not-for-Profit: Recognises a small not-for-profit organisation (annual turnover under $1 million) for its work supporting multicultural communities.
Social Cohesion and Community Impact Project of the Year: Recognises a project delivered by an organisation or community group that has achieved measurable social, cultural or community outcomes, particularly through intercultural or interfaith initiatives.
Lifetime Achiever: Recognises an individual with a long-term commitment to strengthening social cohesion, including leadership in intercultural or interfaith engagement.
Minister’s Multicultural Award: Awarded at the discretion of the Minister to acknowledge an outstanding contribution to multicultural Queensland.
Selection Criteria
Nominations are assessed based on four key criteria:
- Impact: Demonstrated positive outcomes for multicultural communities
- Leadership: Ability to influence, inspire or drive change
- Innovation: Use of new or creative approaches
- Outstanding Contribution: Evidence of work that goes beyond standard expectations
Nominations must be submitted online via SmartyGrants.
The department accepts submissions in multiple languages. Applicants intending to submit in a language other than English are required to contact the organisers at least one week before the closing date.
Alternative submission options are available for applicants unable to access the online platform, including phone and email support through Multicultural Affairs Queensland.
About Multicultural Affairs Queensland
Multicultural Affairs Queensland is a division of the Queensland Government responsible for policies and programs that support multicultural communities across the state. Its work focuses on social inclusion, community cohesion, and improving participation and opportunities for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Source: Queensland Government
