The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is calling for nominations for its 2020 Indigenous Awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the state’s resources sector.
QRC Chief Executive, Ian Macfarlane, said the resources sector was committed to providing economic pathways and opportunities to Indigenous Australians from Brisbane to Cape York.
“Our sector is a significant economic resource which can drive wealth and prosperity for Indigenous people and communities,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Indigenous people comprise 4 per cent of the state’s workforce in resources and Queensland’s Indigenous population is 4 per cent. We are one of only two sectors with a true representation of Indigenous people in our workforce.”
“Another milestone is Indigenous women in resources who represent 24 per cent of the Indigenous workforce, which is close to twice the non-Indigenous rate,” he commented.
The 7th annual awards will be presented during National Reconciliation Week at the Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane on 1 June 2020.
The audience will hear from Fiona Jose, Chief Executive Officer at Cape York Partnership as the keynote speaker.
“Fiona is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander with a passion for empowering local change in Indigenous communities and understands the importance of showcasing Indigenous role models and ambassadors,” Mr Macfarlane said.
The Closing the Gap 2018 update reported 6599 Indigenous Australians were employed by the mining industry, an increase by 250 per cent since 2006.
The number of non-Indigenous Australians employed in mining had increased by 150 per cent over the same period.
“The same report stated the mining industry itself is employing significantly more Indigenous Australians than previously and we need to champion these employees,” Mr Macfarlane said.
The QRC is now accepting nominations across six award categories. Nominations close Friday 27 March 2020.
More information on the QRC’s 2020 Indigenous Awards can be found here.
