Awards celebrate region's diversity

With one-in-five residents having been born overseas and a further 10 per cent from non-English speaking backgrounds, Cairns is one of Australia's most culturally diverse regions.

An awards program established last year to celebrate the region's diversity has returned in 2015 and nominations are now open.

Mayor Bob Manning said the awards aimed to recognise the efforts and achievements of individuals, young people, organisations and businesses in strengthening cultural diversity in Cairns.

"The awards help to raise the profile of these achievements, which in turn strengthens Cairns Cultural Diversity and promotes positive community interaction," Cr Manning said.

"We have one of the most multicultural communities in Australia and that's a big part of what makes our region such a great place to live."

Nominations are now open for two Cairns Cultural Diversity Awards, which will be presented during Cultural Diversity Week as part of this year's Cairns Festival.

Outstanding Volunteer/Individual

This category recognises an individual who, through his or her volunteer efforts and education, has contributed to any of the following:

• Championed the values of multiculturalism
• Promoted community harmony and positive community relations
• As a newly arrived migrant or refugee played a leadership and volunteering role that contributes to Cairns as a harmonious and diverse community.
• Undertaken initiative which help develop community resilience

Business or Community Organisation or Cultural Group

This category recognises a business, corporation or cultural group that has contributed to any of the following:

• Fostered human resource parties that promote the development of a culturally diverse workforce, and that values employees' languages, cultures, religious beliefs and ethnicities.
• Implemented Cultural Diversity best practice policies, such as through service delivery models and/or human resources initiatives.
• Undertaken initiatives that promote cultural diversity or reduce prejudice within the organisation/society.

More information on how to submit a nomination for the awards is available on Council's website. Nominations close on 30 June.