Celebrating Reconciliation in Queensland
National Reconciliation Week (27 May—3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the successful 1967 referendum to change how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were referred to in the Constitution (27 May), and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision (3 June).
From Cairns, Townsville, Cooktown and Mount Isa, to the Central Highlands, Cassowary Coast, North Burnett, Southern Downs and the South East corner, communities all across Queensland united to the theme of ‘All In’ with a large variety of community events.
On Wednesday 27 May, the 2026 Queensland Reconciliation Awards were held with recipients receiving a share of $30,000 in prize money.
Reconciliation award winners
Business
Bamaga Dreamtime – Bamaga Dreamtime Pty Ltd
Community
Breaking Barriers - Aspire Community’s Integrated Reconciliation and Youth Empowerment Model – Aspire Cairns Community Limited
Education
Culture are the Heart: Transforming services through shared knowledge – Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak
Health and Wellbeing
Mob Pod – Manngoor Dja – Aboriginal Health Services
Partnership
Collaboration in Care - Advancing Reconciliation through Partnership, Cultural Authority and Care on Country – North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal and Islanders Housing Cooperative Society Limited and St Vincent’s Care Services
Queensland Reconciliation Award
Breaking Barriers - Aspire Community’s Integrated Reconciliation and Youth Empowerment Model – Aspire Cairns Community Limited
Celebrating Reconciliation Grants
Earlier this year, the 2026 round of Celebrating Reconciliation Grants was announced with up to $2,500 for organisations to strengthen unity and reconciliation across Queensland.
Nikki Burns from UnitingCare Queensland received a grant and used the funding to create the Honouring First Nations Veterans project at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital.
“The Honouring First Nations Veterans project will be a cultural display at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital that respectfully recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women, addressing a gap in visibility and acknowledgement,” Nikki said.
“It is grounded in truth telling and honouring the sacrifice of First Nations veterans, promoting understanding and respect within the hospital that was built to be a living memorial of World Wars I and II veterans.”
“The display creates an impactful and respectful space where patients, visitors and staff can deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures while honouring the service and sacrifice of First Nations veterans and current service members.”
“It aims to foster meaningful conversations about reconciliation, inclusion and the impacts of historical and systemic racism, honouring the strength and enduring legacy of First Nations peoples and building greater empathy, respect and connection within the hospital community.”
For more information about National Reconciliation Week 2026, visit:
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