Local champions of the environment including individuals, social groups, businesses and schools have been named as finalists in an annual awards program.
The 2026 Noosa Biosphere Awards, run by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF), recognise work associated with the Noosa UNESCO Biosphere Reserve across seven categories.
This year’s program includes two new youth categories – the Emerging Custodian Award and School or Class Biosphere Custodian Award – sponsored by the Noosa Community Foundation.
Sarah Pye, Yanni Van Zijl, Meghan Halverson, Dalia Mikhail and David Rogalsky are finalists for the Environmental Steward Award, which recognises individuals for leadership and long-term contributions to the biosphere.
River Williams, Hunter Williams, Juniper Roo Houston and Stevie Sharpe are finalists for the Emerging Custodian Award, which is for school-aged individuals demonstrating leadership, initiative and care for people, place and the environment.
Six groups are in contention for the School or Class Biosphere Custodian Award.
They are Parados Education for Blue Space: Stories Across Oceans; St Theresa’s Catholic College school environment committee for its 10c container house competition; Noosa Adventist College Year 11 Geography for Ecological Hazard: Shark Nets; Good Shepherd Lutheran College environment senior leader group for Marcus Beach bushcare and native revegetation; Sunshine Beach State High School Year 7 for bottle cap recycling; and Noosa Adventist College Year 11 Marine Science for its work on water quality and biodiversity in local waterways.
The Thriving Nature Award finalists are: Teewah Landowners Association Inc for its Teewah turtle trackers monitoring and conservation Initiative; Marcus Beach Bushcare Association for ecological restoration; Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee for building homes for the Mary River Cod; Noosa and District Landcare for Noosa Koala Connect; and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) for the Blue Biosphere Project.
Mineral Fox, DMS Designs x Sunshine Resorts, Tourism Noosa and Zero Emissions Noosa Inc are finalists for the Smart Biosphere Award for projects involving innovation and technology.
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The Social Impact Award finalists are FranknStein Pty Ltd, SevGen Indigenous Corporation, UniSC, Zero Emissions Noosa Inc and Rise & Thrive.
Eastwell Farms, RACV Noosa Resort, Peregian Beach Hotel, Epic Ocean Adventures and Mayan Farm are finalists for the Sustainable Business Award.
NBRF general manager Anna Macklin said the awards had attracted a record field.
“Reading through this year’s entries was a reminder of how many people across Noosa are working to care for this place,” Ms Macklin said.
“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.”
The awards are supported by Noosa Council and presenting partner Unitywater.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on November 12. Tickets are available through The J.
