Entries for the 2026 Noosa Biosphere Awards officially opened on Thursday 20 August, with the announcement made at Green Drinks – the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation’s (NBRF) popular community networking event co-hosted with Noosa Council.
This year’s Awards program includes two brand-new categories dedicated to recognising young people across the Noosa Shire, both proudly sponsored by the Noosa Community Foundation.
The Emerging Custodian Award will recognise an individual school-aged person who demonstrates leadership, initiative and care for people, place and the environment through actions that positively contribute to the Noosa Biosphere. The winner will receive $500 towards their project.
The School or Class Biosphere Custodian Award will celebrate a school, class or home school group in the Noosa Shire, whose project (completed or underway within the past 12 months) has embodied UNESCO Man and the Biosphere values, and delivered positive outcomes for the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. This category carries a $2,000 prize towards the winning project.
Teachers, students and schools across the Noosa Shire are being encouraged to promote the new categories within their communities and get involved.
“Young people in Noosa are already doing incredible things for our environment – and these awards are a great way for them to get the recognition they deserve. These two new categories are a chance to put a spotlight on their work, whether it’s one student leading a project on their own or a whole class getting behind something that makes a real difference” – Jarrah Small, NBRF Youth Representative
There are seven Award categories for 2026:
- Environmental Steward Award – for individuals over school age demonstrating leadership and long-term contribution to the Noosa Biosphere.
- Emerging Custodian Award – for school-aged individuals demonstrating leadership, initiative and care for people, place and the environment.
- School or Class Biosphere Custodian Award – for schools, classes or home school groups located in the Noosa Shire delivering positive outcomes for the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.
- Thriving Nature Award – for projects and initiatives that protect, restore or enhance biodiversity, ecosystems and natural environments.
- Smart Biosphere Award – for projects achieving outstanding environmental or social outcomes through innovation and technology.
- Social Impact Award – for initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, inclusion and participation.
- Sustainable Business Award – for leadership in sustainable business practices delivering environmental, social and economic benefits.
NBRF General Manager Anna Macklin said the Awards continue to shine a light on the people and organisations shaping a more sustainable future for the region.
“Every year the Awards remind us just how much passion and effort goes into looking after this place we call home. Introducing the Emerging Custodian Award and the School or Class Biosphere Custodian Award felt like a natural next step – our young people are going to inherit the responsibility of caring for this biosphere, and many of them are already stepping up. We want to back that with real recognition and real support, and we’re grateful to the Noosa Community Foundation for helping us do that.” – Anna Macklin, NBRF General Manager
The Noosa Biosphere Awards are an initiative of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and are supported by Noosa Council. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 12 November 2026.
2026 Key Dates
- Entries Open: Thursday 20 August 2026
- Entries Close: Monday 21 September 2026
- Tickets on Sale: Monday 21 September 2026
- Finalists Announced: Early October 2026
- Winners Announced — Awards Ceremony: Thursday 12 November 2026
Community members, businesses and organisations can enter or nominate someone via the Awards website: noosabiosphere.org.au/awards
Schools wishing to find out more about the two new youth categories can contact Dalia Mikhail at the Noosa Environmental Education Hub via dalia@noosaeehub.com.au or email NBRF direct at awards@noosabiosphere.org.au