Award nominations open in QLD: Reconciliation and Training recognition

The Queensland Government has announced that nominations for two awards – the Queensland Training Awards, and the Queensland Reconciliation Awards – are now open. Both awards have previous finalists and winners from the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, and represent a valuable opportunity for Queensland ECEC services to showcase the work they do in their communities.

Training Awards

The Queensland Training awards recognise high achievement in the training sector. Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman announced the nominations yesterday, saying the awards recognise individuals and organisations who strive for success, best practice, and innovation in training.

“I encourage eligible apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers and trainers, employers, training providers and community-based organisations to take part,” Ms Fentiman said.

Previous winners of this in the ECEC sector, Affinity Education Group, said that being recognised in such a manner supported their view that with the right training and support, those undertaking their training would become leaders in the ECEC sector.

There are 14 categories in the Queensland Training Awards are run by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, and winners of some categories will have the chance to vie for awards at a national level by competing at the Australian Training Awards in November next year.

Reconciliation Awards

ECEC services fostering reconciliation are encouraged to share their stories, and nominate for the 2019 Queensland Reconciliation Awards. Acting Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Kate Jones said the awards recognised advancements towards reconciliation across the State by businesses, community organisations and educational institutions.

“We want to recognise the hard work and commitment shown by Queenslanders who are passionate about building a more inclusive society,” Ms Jones said.

The 2019 Queensland Reconciliation Awards Ambassador Johnathan Thurston, who has returned for his seventh year in the role, said he encouraged people promoting reconciliation across the State to nominate, saying “It’s important for people to see reconciliation as a whole-of-community responsibility.”

The Reconciliation Awards program offers a total prize pool of $25,000 across five categories—business, community, education, partnership and an overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award.

Previous ECEC finalists, Wagner Road Early Childhood Centre and Kindergarten, were recognised in 2018 for their eight year teaching and learning partnership with Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Joe Kirk.

Nomination Dates and Details

For a full list of award categories, nomination details and eligibility criteria for the 2019 Queensland Training Awards, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au. Nominations for the Queensland Training Awards close on Sunday 17 March 2019.

Nominations for the Queensland Reconciliation Awards close at 5 pm, Monday 25 February 2019. For more information or to submit an online nomination, visit www.qld.gov.au/reconciliation