The finalists span individuals, community groups, businesses and schools, each recognised for the difference they are making to Noosa’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This year’s Awards program also introduced two new youth categories, the Emerging Custodian Award and the School or Class Biosphere Custodian Award, both proudly sponsored by the Noosa Community Foundation.
The 2026 Noosa Biosphere Awards finalists are:
- Environmental Steward Award – for individuals over school age demonstrating leadership and long-term contribution to the Noosa Biosphere.
- Sarah Pye
- Yanni Van Zijl
- Meghan Halverson
- Dalia Mikhail
- David Rogalsky
- Emerging Custodian Award – for school-aged individuals demonstrating leadership, initiative and care for people, place and the environment.
- River Williams
- Hunter Williams
- Juniper Roo Houston
- Stevie Sharpe
- 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.
- Parados Education (Home School Group) – Blue Space:Stories Across Oceans
- St. Theresa’s Catholic College (School Environment Committee) – 10c Container House Competition
- Noosa Adventist College (Yr 11 Geography) – Ecological Hazard: Shark NetsÂ
- Good Shepherd Lutheran College (Environment Senior Leader Group) – Marcus Beach Bushcare, Native revegetation
- Sunshine Beach State High School (Yr 7) – Bottle Cap Recycling
- Noosa Adventist College (Yr 11 Marine Science) – Water Quality and Biodiversity in local Waterways
- Thriving Nature Award – for projects and initiatives that protect, restore or enhance biodiversity, ecosystems and natural environments.
- Teewah Landowners Association Inc – Teewah Turtle Trackers Monitoring & Conservation Initiative
- Marcus Beach Bushcare Association – Ecological RestorationÂ
- Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee – Building homes for the Mary River Cod
- Noosa and District Landcare – Noosa Koala Connect
- University of the Sunshine Coast – Blue Biosphere Project
- Smart Biosphere Award – for projects achieving outstanding environmental or social outcomes through innovation and technology.
- Mineral Fox – Circular Sea Render System
- DMS Designs x Sunshine Resorts – Noosa Blue Resort Digital Concierge
- Tourism Noosa – Precious Plastic Noosa
- Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. (ZEN) – Save Energy-Save Money (Business Energy Advisor)
- Social Impact Award – for initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, inclusion and participation.
- FranknStein Pty Ltd – Kangamoo & the Not New crew
- SevGen Indigenous Corporation – SevGen’s Noosa Golden Triangle
- University of the Sunshine Coast – GRoW Cooroy
- Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. (ZEN) – Noosa e-bike Library
- Rise & Thrive – No Filters Needed, Youth Early Intervention Program
- Sustainable Business Award – for leadership in sustainable business practices delivering environmental, social and economic benefits.
- Eastwell Farms
- RACV Noosa Resort
- Peregian Beach Hotel
- Epic Ocean Adventures
- Mayan Farm
NBRF General Manager Anna Macklin said the finalists reflect the breadth of people and organisations working to look after our unique and precious region.
“2026 saw a record number of entries for the Noosa Biosphere Awards. Reading through this year’s entries was a reminder of how many people across Noosa are working to care for this place. We thank all those who submitted entries, our judging panel and sponsors who help make this event possible. Every finalist should be extremely proud, and we look forward to celebrating them together with our Noosa Community at the Awards Ceremony.” – Anna Macklin, NBRF General Manager
The Noosa Biosphere Awards are an initiative of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and are proudly supported by Noosa Council and presenting partner Unitywater.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 12 November 2026.
Tickets are on sale now via link here.