Entries Now Open
About the Awards
The Noosa Biosphere Awards celebrate our community and the environmental champions in our region.
The Noosa Biosphere Awards return in 2026 to celebrate the people, businesses and organisations championing environmental stewardship, sustainability and social inclusion in the Noosa Shire.
An initiative of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, the Awards recognise outstanding contributions from those making a genuine difference in protecting and enhancing Noosa’s globally significant environment and culture.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 12 November 2026, capping off a season of nominations, entries, and finalist celebrations honouring the people leading the way toward a more sustainable future for the region.
Proudly presented by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and supported by Noosa Council.
Awards Categories + Entry Details
The 2026 Noosa Biosphere Awards has 7 Categories listed below.
Click on the + (on the right hand side) to expand each category for more details and to enter each award category. Please note that each category has it’s own individual entry form so be sure to choose the right one before you start your entry.Â
View full terms and conditions for entry here.
Category 1: Environmental Steward Award (Individual)
Proudly sponsored by University of the Sunshine Coast
The Environmental Steward Award recognises outstanding individuals who demonstrate leadership, stewardship and long-term contribution to the Noosa Biosphere through environmental, social, cultural or sustainability initiatives.Â
For individuals over school age. Entries for this award can be through self nomination or third party nomination.
We highly recommend reading our Category 1 Information & Entry guide here before entering.
Category 2: Emerging Custodian Award (School Age - Individual)
Proudly sponsored by the Noosa Community Foundation
The Emerging Custodian Award recognises young people who demonstrate leadership, initiative and care for people, place and the environment through actions that positively contribute to the Noosa Biosphere.
Winner Awarded $500 prize money towards project.
For school-aged individuals living, studying or actively participating within the Noosa Biosphere. Entries for this award can be through self nomination or third party nomination.
We highly recommend reading our Category 2 Information & Entry guide here before entering.
Category 3: School or Class Biosphere Custodian Award
Proudly sponsored by the Noosa Community Foundation
The School/Class Biosphere Custodian Award recognises projects completed or underway within the previous 12 months that demonstrate positive outcomes for students, schools, communities and the environment in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.Â
Winner receives $2000 prize money towards project.Â
For schools, classes or home school groups in the Noosa Shire. Entries via self nomination only.
We highly recommend reading our Category 3 Information & Entry guide here before entering.
Category 4: Thriving Nature Award
Proudly sponsored by Noosa 4 Sale
The Thriving Nature Award recognises projects and initiatives that protect, restore or enhance biodiversity, ecosystems and natural environments within the Noosa Biosphere.
For businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations or project teams. Entries via self-nomination only.
We highly recommend reading our Category 4 Information & Entry guide here before entering.
Category 5: Smart Biosphere Award
Proudly sponsored by Noosa Council
The Smart Biosphere Award recognises projects that achieve outstanding environmental or social outcomes through the use of innovation, technology and creative solutions that contribute to a smarter, more sustainable and resilient biosphere.Â
For businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations or project teams. Entries via self-nomination only.
We highly recommend reading our Category 5 Information & Entry guide here before entering.
Category 6: Social Impact Award
The Social Impact Award recognises initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, inclusion, participation and positive social outcomes in the Noosa Biosphere.
For businesses, organisations, community groups or individuals. Entries via self-nomination only.
We highly recommend reading our Category 6 Information & Entry guide here before entering.
Category 7: Sustainable Business Award
Proudly sponsored by Tourism Noosa
The Sustainable Business Award recognises leadership in sustainable business practices that create environmental, social and economic benefits for the Noosa Biosphere.
For businesses operating within the Noosa Biosphere. Entries via self-nomination only.
We highly recommend reading our Category 7 Information & Entry guide here before entering.
Add these dates to your calendar!
2026 key dates
- Entries Open: Thursday, 20 August 2026
- Entries Close: Monday, 21 September
- Finalists Announced: Early October
- Winners Announced: Awards Ceremony, Thursday 12 November.
FAQ's
Why enter?
There are multiple benefits to entering the Noosa Biosphere Awards:
- Meaningful recognition of your contribution to sustainability in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, by the Noosa Shire community.
- Celebrate your achievements with your team, peers and community at the Noosa Biosphere Awards.
- Opportunity to network with like-minded business leaders, sponsors and community members at the Awards event (tickets not included/guaranteed).
- Build your brand profile through the promotion of your organisation or cause.
- Winners and Finalists will receive an official logo for use in their marketing.
- Winners and Finalists will be listed on this website.
- Winners and Finalists will receive promotion in the lead-up to the Awards ceremony, and following announcements.
Awards purpose
The Noosa Biosphere Awards celebrates the people, businesses and organisations making a difference in our community who are leading the way in progressing Noosa towards a healthy, happy and inclusive community and environment.
Noosa is recognised globally for its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural history. In 2007, the Noosa Shire was designated an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in recognition of the ongoing efforts of our community to manage Noosa’s land, waters and wildlife sustainably.
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve is one of only five UNESCO biosphere reserves in Australia and part of a network of more than 700 sites worldwide under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) all working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The MAB Programme aims to establish a scientific basis and support for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. Biosphere reserves are ‘living labs’. They are learning places seeking to develop and test local solutions to the global challenges of sustainable development and biodiversity health.
Eligibility
The individual, business or organisation must:
- Operate within or have a project or initiative that directly benefits the Noosa Biosphere Reserve (Noosa Shire).
- Be able to demonstrate how their project or activities contribute to the objectives of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, through either:
- Conservation – of biodiversity, species and ecosystem services.
- Sustainable development – contributing to building a sustainable, healthy and equitable society, and thriving economy, in harmony with the biosphere reserve.
- Learning – through biodiversity and sustainability science and research, education for sustainable development (ESD), and/or sharing knowledge across networks.
- Climate – support mitigation and adaptation to climate change and other aspects of global environmental change.
- Read and agree to the awards entry rules.
How to enter
Submitting An Entry
Review the 7 Awards Categories above and choose the one that best matches your contribution, project, initiative or activities, and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Before starting your online entry:
– Read the 2026 Award Entry Rules and Terms & Conditions.
– Review the category information and consider how your entry contributes to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve and the objectives of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme.
– Draft your main 400-word response in the downloadable Word worksheet first before starting the online form entry submission. You cannot save and return to the online entry form, so preparing your answers in advance is recommended.
– Gather any supporting evidence that demonstrates your impact, such as photos, videos, testimonials, reports, data, media coverage or website links.
– Focus on clear examples and outcomes. Where possible, include measurable results or evidence of the difference your work has made.
– Allow time to review and edit your responses before submitting. A clear, focused response with strong examples is more effective than trying to include everything you have done.
***Note each awards category has it’s own entry form so ensure you select the right one when you are ready to enter***
Have a question?
If you have questions about eligibility, how to enter, or a media or general enquiry, you can email us at awards@noosabiosphere.org.au
Support the Awards
The Noosa Biosphere Awards are an initiative of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation. Your support helps us to deliver the Awards that aims to support, recognise and encourage excellence in the region’s environment, sustainability and innovation sector for the benefit of the Noosa Shire.Â
There are several ways you can support the ongoing success of the Noosa Biosphere Awards:
- Become a financial sponsor. There are multiple opportunities to become an Event Sponsor. Reach out to Anna Macklin, NBRF General Manager at the awards email below for an information pack.
- In-kind/collaborative supporter. Have a service that could help us promote or deliver an exceptional event experience? We’d love to hear from you!Â
- Share the Awards. Encourage those in your network to enter the awards, and share the Awards via your social media and newsletter channels. Simply visit our Facebook page to share a recent post or email us for some content for use – we’re happy to supply!
Email awards@noosabiosphere.org.au for more information.
Be part of an exciting Awards program that celebrates our Noosa Biosphere community and environment. Sponsor opportunities open!
Judging Panel
Jordan Vance
Noosa Council Economic Development Advisor
Brian Keayes
Co-Founder of Earth Collective, creative technologist and artist
Rex Halverson
Past Chair, Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
Linda Venables
Past Board Member, Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
Finalists and Winners
2025 Finalists
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD (Under 30)
Sponsored by UniSC
Chaka Wood
Gene Young
Spencer Hitchen
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD (Over 30)
Sponsored by UniSC
Anne Kennedy
Paul RyanÂ
Beverly Hand
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Supported by Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation
Rise & Thrive – Janelle Parsons
Seahorse Inclusion Foundation
Zero Emissions Noosa
Noosa Surf Lifesaving Club
THRIVING NATURE AWARD
Sponsored by Noosa4Sale
Noosa and District Landcare Group
QLD Fire & Biodiversity
UniSC – Sunshine Coast Bull Shark Program
Tourism Noosa – Plastic Free NoosaÂ
SMART BIOSPHERE AWARD
Sponsored by Noosa CouncilÂ
UniSC – Selecting Indicators of Conservation SuccessÂ
UniSC – Koala Vaccine
Energy Flex
Mineral Fox
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Pottery for the Planet
Eastwell Farms
Laguna Pest Control
Karla Enterprises
2025 Winners​
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARDÂ (Under 30)
Sponsored by UniSC
Chaka Wood
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD (Over 30)
Sponsored by UniSC
Paul RyanÂ
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Supported by Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation
Zero Emissions Noosa – Solar for Low-income Homes
THRIVING NATURE AWARD
Sponsored by Noosa4Sale
Tourism Noosa – Plastic Free NoosaÂ
SMART BIOSPHERE AWARD
Sponsored by Noosa CouncilÂ
UniSC – Selecting Indicators of Conservation SuccessÂ
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Â
Congratulations to all the Winners!
2024 Finalists
YOUNG ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD (Under 30)
Sponsored by UniSC
Millie Toy
Spencer Hitchen
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD
Sponsored by Sandy Bolton MP – Independent Member for Noosa
Carolyn Lansdown
Nick CookeÂ
Paul RyanÂ
Philip Moran
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa
Alsawha Estate
Noosa Landcare Training ProgramÂ
Veggie Village Community Gardens
Whalesongs NoosaÂ
THRIVING NATURE AWARD
Sponsored by Noosa4Sale
Bushland Conservation Management
Noosa Koala Habitat Restoration ProgramÂ
The Nature Conservancy AustraliaÂ
WIldlife Noosa
SMART BIOSPHERE AWARD
Sponsored by Noosa Council Economic Development
Energy Flex
Prestige Residential – On The BeachÂ
Provectus Algae
Zero Emissions NoosaÂ
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Boomerang Bags Noosa
Eastwell Farms
Silicon CoastÂ
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
Sunshine Social
2024 Winners
YOUNG ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD (Under 30)
Sponsored by UniSC
Spencer Hitchen
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD
Sponsored by Sandy Bolton MP – Independent Member for Noosa
Philip Moran
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa
Noosa Landcare Training Program Â
THRIVING NATURE AWARD
Sponsored by Noosa4Sale
Noosa Koala Habitat Restoration ProgramÂ
SMART BIOSPHERE AWARD
Sponsored by Noosa Council Economic Development
Energy Flex
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Sunshine Social
2023 Finalists
LAND CATEGORY
Sponsored by International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
Alsahwa
Eastwell Farms
NICA (Urban Wildlife Gardens)
Rosecliffe Boutique Farm Cottages
WATER CATEGORY
Sponsored by UniSC
Alison Foley (Ten Little Pieces)
Richard Howard (NICA)
Sally Jensen (‘Pontoon’ film)
WILDLIFE CATEGORY
Sponsored by Land & Sea Brewery
Bushland Conservation Management
UniSC Detection Dogs for Conservation
Wildcare Australia – Noosa Team
Wildlife Noosa
YOUNG ECO LEADER CATEGORY
Sponsored by Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club
Jarrah Small
Millie Toy
Spencer Hitchen
Taylor Ladd-Hudson
PEOPLE & ECONOMY (INDIVIDUAL/NOT-FOR-PROFIT) CATEGORY
Sponsored by Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa
Noosa Regional Gallery (Floating Land: Us and Them)
Noosa Environmental Education Hub (Noosa Youth Advocacy Group)
Tourism Noosa (Tread Lightly)
Zero Emissions Noosa (Community Battery/EV Expo)
PEOPLE & ECONOMY (BUSINESS) CATEGORY
Sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Eco Cottages
Mayan Farm
Provectus Algae
RACV Noosa Resort
2023 Winners
Congratulations to:
LAND CATEGORY
Sponsored by International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
NICA (Urban Wildlife Gardens)
WATER CATEGORY
Sponsored by UniSC
Alison Foley (Ten Little Pieces)
WILDLIFE CATEGORY
Sponsored by Land & Sea Brewery
UniSC Detection Dogs for Conservation
YOUNG ECO LEADER CATEGORY
Sponsored by Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club
Taylor Ladd-Hudson
PEOPLE & ECONOMY (INDIVIDUAL/NOT-FOR-PROFIT) CATEGORY
Sponsored by Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa
Zero Emissions Noosa (for their Community Battery/EV Expo initiative)
PEOPLE & ECONOMY (BUSINESS) CATEGORY
Sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Eco Cottages
2022 Finalists
Land Category Finalists
Rosecliffe Boutique Farm Cottages
Eastwell Farms
Permeco Inc.
Young Eco-Leader Award Finalists
Sponsored by Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club
Jarrah Small
Spencer Hitchen
Water Category Finalists
Sponsored by UniSC
NICA – Waterwatch Team
NICA – Get Your Wetlands Project (Peter & Alex)
Noosa World Surfing Reserve Stewardship Council
Wildlife Category Finalists
Sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Meghan Halverson
Kanu Kapers
People & Economy Category Finalists
Sponsored by Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa
Plastic Free Noosa
Zero Emissions Noosa Inc
Noosa Lakes Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
2022 Winners
Congratulations to:
Land Category (Sponsored by NBRF)
Rosecliffe Boutique Farm Cottages
Water Category (Sponsored by UniSC)
NICA – Waterwatch Team
Wildlife Category (Sponsored by Tourism Noosa)
Meghan Halverson
People & Economy Category (Sponsored by Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa)
Plastic Free Noosa
Young Eco Leader Category (Sponsored by Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club)
Jarrah Small
Spencer Hitchen
2021 Finalists
Land Category Finalists
Sponsored by University of the Sunshine Coast
PermEco Inc.
Dangerbridge Nature Reserve
Noosa & District Landcare – Keeping it in Kin Kin project
Water Category Finalists
Sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Land & Sea Brewery (Can for a Cause)
Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
Noosa World Surfing Reserve.
Wildlife Category Finalists
Sponsored by International Fund for Animal Welfare
Meghan Halverson
Rachel Lyons
Dr Romane Cristescu
People & Economy Category Finalists
Sponsored by Noosa Council Economic Development
EarthTech
Noosa Environmental Education Hub
Plastic Free Noosa
2021 Winners
Land Category Winner
Noosa & District Landcare (Keeping it in Kin Kin project)
Water Category Winner
Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
Wildlife Category Winner
Rachel Lyons
People & Economy Winner
Noosa Environmental Education Hub
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors
