INDIA NEWS
June 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 23
NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND
Students urged to start reading Jobkeeper withdrawal again for 2021 Premier’s Challenge adversely impacts QueenBrisbane, May 19: Queensland school students are being encouraged to get reading as part of the 16th annual Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Education Minister and McConnel MP Grace Grace visited Brisbane Central State School on May 19 to officially launch the challenge, reading to year 1 students. The Premier said the challenge put literacy front and centre for children in early childhood centres to students right through to Year 9. “When I was at school, I loved reading and I still do. There’s nothing better than getting lost in a good book,” the Premier said. “A love of reading starts at a young age and is something our students will need for the rest of their lives. “This Challenge is a great way for our young people to build their confidence and improve their skills through books.”
The Premier said during last year’s Challenge, 2.23 million books were read by more than 161,000 children across more than 1200 schools and early childhood centres. “It’d be great to see as many students, if not more involved this year, particularly after a challenging year with COVID last year. “Good luck to all those taking part and remember, it’s not a competition, just enjoy the challenge of setting goals and reading great books.” Brisbane Central State School principal Michael Grogan said he was confident in seeing an increase in student participation. “Our students are voracious readers and learners, and we’re always at or near 100% participation in the Challenge,” Mr Grogan said. “Anything that gets children reading more, and parents involved in reading with their children, has to be a great initiative.
“In my first year here in 2017, we had around 300 students and worked out that all the books they read would add up to a tower roughly one kilometre high!” The Premier and Minister Grace also inspected construction of a new $16.9 million classroom building while at the school. “Tradies are working hard on the new three-storey building which is expected to be finished in October this year,” Ms Grace said.
“It’ll be a state-of-the-art learning centre once it’s finished, featuring 12 classrooms, a library, admin area, canteen, uniform shop and outdoor learning spaces. “Construction is supporting 50 local jobs which is a fantastic boost for our economy. “This new building will totally transform Brisbane Central which is a popular, growing inner-city school.” For more information on the Premier’s Reading Challenge, visit www.readingchallenge.education. qld.gov.au.
sland jobs’ performance
Brisbane, May 20: The first Labour Force data since the Morrison Government’s withdrawal of JobKeeper has ended a run of four consecutive months of jobs growth in Queensland.
Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the loss of 7,400 jobs in April ran against the strong tide of recent employment data for Queensland. “All the data shows Queensland is in a strong position when it comes to employment growth as we continue to deliver Queensland’s plan for economic recovery,” the Treasurer said. “However, the April data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the abrupt end of JobKeeper was a setback. “Since the pandemic first impacted Australia in March 2020, Queensland has seen the largest growth in jobs in Australia, with a 2.1% increase, or an additional
54,900 jobs.
“This means that 307,400 jobs have been created in Queensland since the election of the Palaszczuk Labor Government in 2015. “Across the last 12 months we’ve seen nation-leading growth in employment (+7.8%), labour force (+6.5%) and the participation rate (+3.4%).” “By comparison, New South Wales, which lost 36,700 jobs in April alone, is yet to recover all the jobs lost during the pandemic.” “We know from the latest Federal Budget that Scott Morrison is sitting on an election war chest worth about $9 billion in ‘decisions taken but not announced’.” “Scott Morrison must use this money to end his rip off of Queenslanders and to reverse the jobs lost following his abrupt end to JobKeeper.”
2021 Queensland Reconciliation Awards finalists announced respectful state,” the Premier said. “The finalists for the 2021 Queensland Reconciliation Awards represent the best of our state – people coming together to improve the understanding of this country’s history and cultural heritage, connect communities, create opportunities for growth and build respectful relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples.
Brisbane, May 21: Nineteen inspiring Queensland businesses, community groups, educational institutions and government entities have been named as finalists in the 2021 Queensland Reconciliation Awards, acknowledging their achievements and contributions toward reconciliation, diversity and inclusivity. The 2021 finalists include organisations helping to close the gap by improving access to health services, schools championing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and businesses increasing cultural competency training and employing more First Nations people. Ahead of National Reconciliation Week, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the initiatives of the 2021 finalists promote and enhance reconciliation in their communities. “Queenslanders continue to pave the path toward reconciliation, amplifying First Nations voices and creating a fairer, more
www.indianews.com.au
“I congratulate all our finalists in 2021 and thank everyone who submitted nominations for their commitment to education, connection and healing.” Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford congratulated finalists in the Health and wellbeing category – a new category in 2021. “After a year of strengthened partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, communities and government working together to keep Queenslanders safe and healthy, it’s fitting that a Health and wellbeing category has been added to the Queensland Reconciliation Awards,” Mr Crawford said. “The Health and wellbeing category recognises the work of businesses, charities and community groups to optimise health responses and help close the gap between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians, so more Queenslanders, families and communities have the opportunity to thrive.”
“This year we have selected three finalists – Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, Wheels of Wellness and Bama Services – whose programs and initiatives are enhancing access to medical treatments, mental health support and preventative services. From health and environment, to education and employment, actions to support reconciliation across all sectors and industries are important as we progress a Path to Treaty towards a more inclusive and just future for Queensland.” Queensland Reconciliation Awards Ambassador Johnathan Thurston said he had been greatly encouraged by the diversity and innovation of nominations. “Seeing Queenslanders working towards a more respectful and dynamic community is gratifying, and I am continuously struck by this in my role as Awards Ambassador,” Mr Thurston said. “Hearing about the varied initiatives that are taking place, most especially the initiatives making a difference in schools and educational institutions, highlights the caring nature of Queenslanders and their want to improve their community. “I greatly anticipate the announcement of the winners for 2021 as the pool of finalists is very strong. It is a pleasure to have seen so many incredible initiatives throughout my time as Ambassador.” The 2021 Queensland Reconciliation Awards will be announced at ceremony in Townsville this June, coinciding with National Reconciliation
facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
Week.
Education
Winning initiatives across the categories of business, community, education, health and wellbeing, partnership and the Premier’s Reconciliation Award receive a share of $30,000 in prize money.
Goodstart Early Learning Shailer Park for Our Nangara group
The Queensland Reconciliation Awards is an initiative of the Queensland Government through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. The awards are proudly supported by Bank of Queensland, The University of Queensland, the Queensland University of Technology, James Cook University and Santos. 2021 Finalists: Business Lendlease Queensland Multhana Property Services North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation for North Queensland Bulk Ports Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2020–22 Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union for Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union First Nations Branch Community Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane COOEE Indigenous Family and Community Education Centre for COOEE Elders Supply Aus for Supply Aus improves lives through business growth Of One Mind for WOW – Women of the World
Gracemere State School for Gracemere State School Watch this Space – Darumbal Wadya is HERE! Marsden State School Robina State High School for Robina State High School Yarning Circle project Health and wellbeing Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia for Closing the Gap and cultural inclusion at Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia Wheels of Wellness Bama Services for Bama Services support and wellbeing program Partnership Douglas Shire Council and Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation for Indigenous Language Signage program Wuthathi and Meriam Nation (Ugar, Mer, Erub), BHP, Department of Environment and Science, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Great Barrier Reef Foundation for Raine Island Recovery Project Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Rainforest 4 Foundation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld), Northern Peninsula Area Justice Services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (NPA Community Justice Group) and Queensland Police Service (Bamaga Station) for the Northern Peninsula Area Licensing Muster Initiative
13
