The Queensland Multicultural Awards recognise work and volunteering efforts that have promoted multiculturalism and increased community awareness of the benefits of multiculturalism.

There were six nomination categories in 2011:

• Outstanding Volunteer
• Community Organisation
• Private Enterprise
• Public Sector
• Education
• Media

Outstanding volunteer

This category recognises an individual who through his or her volunteer efforts and dedication has:

• championed the values of multiculturalism
• promoted community harmony and positive community relations.

Community organisation

This category recognises a not-for-profit, large or small community-based organisation that has shown leadership through:

• the promotion of the benefits of cultural diversity within their organisation and/or the broader community
• the delivery of initiatives which promote community harmony and benefit people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including migrants and refugees.

Private enterprise

This category recognises a business or corporation that has:

• fostered human resource practices that promote the development of a culturally diverse workforce, and that value employee languages, cultures and ethnicities
• maximised the benefits of Queensland's cultural diversity to create and harness business opportunities and/or drive innovation.

Public sector

This category recognises a public authority (local or state government department, agency, work group or government-owned corporation) that has:

• implemented multicultural best-practice policies, including through service delivery models and/or human resources initiatives
• undertaken initiatives that promote multiculturalism or reduce prejudice within government or society

Education

This category recognises an educational institution that has shown leadership by incorporating multiculturalism as a core value of its culture and practices in one or more of the following areas:

• planning and policy curriculum
• educational environment and culture
• community relations.

Media

This category recognises individuals or organisations (including businesses) which, through the use of media or advertising have:

• challenged stereotypes through accurately and positively portraying Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• positively focussed on Queensland's cultural diversity as part of their marketing strategies.