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John Oxley Library Award
About the award
The John Oxley Library Award recognises an individual who had made an outstanding contribution to the appreciation of Queensland history. The award is granted annually to promote the value of pursuing historical knowledge and its role in shaping Queenslanders understanding of themselves and each other.
Nominations Open Year-Round
Submit your nominations for the John Oxley Library Award through the online form below. While nominations are accepted at any time, the selection process occurs after the annual Queensland Memory Awards call for nominations closes. In 2024, this will be mid-August.
Supported by the Queensland Library Foundation.
Dr Robert (Bob) Anderson and Vicki McDonald AM FALIA.
Guidelines for entry
Read the guidelines for selection criteria and information on how to prepare your nomination.
2024 John Oxley Library Award
The 2024 John Oxley Library Award was awarded to Dr Robert (Uncle Bob) Anderson OAM.
Dr Robert (Uncle Bob) Anderson OAM, a distinguished Ngugi Elder, made history as the first Indigenous Australian to lead the Building Workers Industrial Union from 1951 to 1978. Known for his fierce advocacy for workers' rights, he played a pivotal role in key labour disputes, including the Mount Isa Copper Mine Lock-Out and South African Springboks rugby tour.
In addition to his labour activism, Uncle Bob chaired the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Board and has been an advocate for reconciliation. His dedication has earned him numerous awards, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and recognition as one of the Queensland Greats. Anderson Street in Kangaroo Point is named in his honour.
You can watch an extended interview with Uncle Bob on Vimeo.
