Nominations for the 2015 Queensland Multicultural Awards have opened this week.

The awards acknowledge Queenslanders who work and volunteer to promote the benefits of a multicultural society.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Shannon Fentiman said the awards had acknowledged outstanding Queenslanders since 1990.

“Our communities have been built on multiculturalism and we want to recognise those individuals and organisations who have helped strengthen our links with the more than 120 different cultures we have in Queensland,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government will honour its election commitment to develop a new Queensland multiculturalism policy and this policy will provide a clear direction on recognising and promoting multiculturalism.

“The long standing awards play an important part in promoting multiculturalism and they recognise individuals, businesses and community organisations that work or volunteer in these promotional efforts and who also assist our newest Queenslanders to feel at home.

“This year there will be six categories and all nominations will be considered for a special Minister’s award for Multiculturalism in Queensland."

Awards categories are:

    Services and Communities
    Business Excellence
    Education and Training Innovation
    Outstanding Volunteer
    Communications and Media Achievement
    Multicultural Ambassador

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 24 April 2015.

Winners will be announced at the Queensland Multicultural Awards gala dinner on Saturday 22 August as the opening event to Queensland Multicultural Week, 22-30 August.

For more information, to nominate online or to download the nomination form visit www.qld.gov.au/qma.