The Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett has welcomed the announcement that Australia Post will issue a pre-stamped commemorative envelope next year to recognise the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first South Sea Islanders in Queensland.
“Next year marks the 150th anniversary since the first South Sea Islanders were brought to Australia as labourers, and is a significant occasion for the Australian South Sea Islander community,” Mr Bennett said.
“The news that Australia Post has agreed to a request from Queensland Multicultural Affairs Minister, Glen Elmes, to issue the pre-stamped envelope is an exciting first step in preparations for a year of celebrations in 2013.
“I’m especially pleased that Australian South Sea Islanders will have the opportunity to be involved in the design of the pre-stamped envelope.
“The envelope will be distributed right across the country, providing national recognition for 150 years of Australian South Sea Islander culture.”
“I will be working with local South Sea Islander groups to ensure they are aware of Queensland Government funding and assistance to stage events to recognise this significant anniversary.”
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Glen Elmes, said his department would give funding priority in the 2012–13 Multicultural Queensland Partnerships Program grants round to events and projects that acknowledge this significant milestone.
“I have held discussions with Australian South Sea Islander groups, and have encouraged them to actively participate in developing and participating in events and activities as part of the 150th anniversary,” Mr Elmes said.
“Because of the significant contribution that the Australian South Sea Islander community has made to the development of the Queensland sugar industry I have written to the Australian Sugar Milling Council and Australian Canegrowers to request their assistance and involvement in activities to mark the anniversary.
“I also plan to deliver a formal Parliamentary statement acknowledging the history and contribution of Australian South Sea Islanders and reaffirming this Government’s continued recognition of and commitment to the community.
“The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs will be dedicating part of its website to the 150th anniversary.
“The aim of the anniversary webpage is to highlight the significance of the anniversary and link people with stakeholders who may have information on activities being planned to mark the occasion.”
Mr Elmes said the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs will also be developing a document that highlights some of the Queensland Government achievements for the Australian South Sea Islander community since its formal recognition in 2000.