The Noosa Biosphere Awards recognise those making a difference in the Noosa region across areas of social impact, environmental stewardship, conservation, business sustainability, technology and innovation.
Overall, 22 finalists were selected across five categories including individuals, businesses and organisations demonstrating outstanding contributions to positive environment and community outcomes in the Noosa Shire.
More than 29 entries were judged by an independent panel of local experts representing the community and business.
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation General Manager, Anna Macklin said this year’s entrants demonstrated pride across the Noosa Shire community in preserving our Noosa Biosphere values.
“I’m always encouraged by our community’s spirit and dedication to protecting what we all love about Noosa. This year’s entrants ranged from academic research, exemplar individual volunteers, and businesses embedding sustainability principles. I thank all entrants for their time in submitting their entry to the Awards.
“The 22 finalists selected demonstrate the values of living in our Noosa Biosphere and contribute to the global objectives of the Man and the Biosphere Program. They should all be extremely proud of what they are doing,” said Ms Macklin.
“We had an overwhelmingly positive turnout to our first co-hosted Green Drinks event with Noosa Council, so it was wonderful to have the opportunity to connect in person with Awards entrants.”
The 2025 Noosa Biosphere Awards Finalists are:
- Environmental Steward Award (under 30) sponsored by UniSC: Chaka Wood, Gene Young, Spencer Hitchen.
- Environmental Steward Award (over 30) sponsored by UniSC: Anne Kennedy, Beverly Hand, Paul Ryan.
- Social Impact Award supported by Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation: Noosa Surf Lifesaving Club, Rise & Thrive, Seahorse Inclusion Foundation, Zero Emissions Noosa.
- Thriving Nature Award sponsored by Noosa4Sale: Noosa and District Landcare Group, QLD Fire & Biodiversity, Tourism Noosa’s Plastic Free Noosa program, UniSC Sunshine Coast Bull Shark Program.
- Smart Biosphere Award sponsored by Noosa Council: EnergyFlex, Mineral Fox, UniSC Indicators of Conservation Success, UniSC Koala Vaccine.
- Sustainable Business of the Year sponsored by Tourism Noosa: Eastwell Farms, Karla Enterprises, Laguna Pest Control, Pottery for the Planet.
Winners will be announced at the 5th Noosa Biosphere Awards Ceremony sponsored by Noosa Council on Thursday, 13 November at The J Noosa.
“We have a few special additions to this year’s Awards ceremony. We invite all community members to come along and celebrate those making a difference in our Noosa Biosphere,” said Ms Macklin.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently include 784 sites in 142 countries, protecting 5 percent of the planet.
There are only five nationally significant UNESCO biosphere reserves in Australia, with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve being the first of three sites in Queensland to be designated, in 2007.
The Noosa Biosphere Awards are an initiative of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, a registered non-profit with the purpose of advancing the objectives of the UNESO Man and the Biosphere Program in the Noosa Shire.
Tickets to the Awards Ceremony are now on sale for only $35 per person. Buy tickets