Nominations are now open for an annual excellence awards program that recognises the region’s sustainability champions.
Members of the public can now suggest themselves or another person, business, group or organisation for Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, who is the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Coordinating Committee Chair, said the awards would help amplify the efforts of those making a difference in the region.
“People are at the heart of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere,” she said.
“These excellence awards showcase our region’s leaders, innovators, educators and movements and the contributions they make for a better future, inspiring others in turn.
“It’s a chance to truly recognise the amazing achievements in the north, south, east and west of our region.
“To those who are driving positive change for a sustainable future, I invite you to consider: how could the Biosphere Awards raise the profile of your cause and maximise your impact?”
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Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Advisory Group Chair Anna Owen expected to see strong competition in the excellence awards.
“Our biosphere continues to thrive because of the high calibre of sustainability leadership and the community-led action that drives it,” she said.
“With so many exceptional initiatives emerging across our region, the competition for these awards will be incredibly strong: a true reflection of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere community.”
Nominations will close on Monday, May 4.
Sunshine Coast Biosphere Award categories
- Biosphere Ambassador, sponsored by Channel 7: recognises people who champion the Biosphere’s values and inspire others.
- Rising Biosphere Star, sponsored by 92.7 Mix FM: showcases young changemakers, 25 years and under, who are driving positive impact.
- Community Connection, sponsored by My Weekly Preview: celebrates organisations that bring people together and foster strong connections and wellbeing across our communities.
- Healthy Planet, sponsored by Australia Zoo: celebrates people, groups or organisations actively protecting and restoring natural environments.
- Biosphere Business Leadership, sponsored by Unity Water: recognises businesses embedding sustainability at their core.
- Knowledge Innovator, sponsored by UniSC: celebrates those who advance learning and inspire action for a sustainable future through research or education.
Nominees in any category demonstrating exceptional environmental contributions will also be considered for the Froggie Award, supported by the Sunshine Coast Environment Council.
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere was designated in June 2022, internationally recognising the region as a member of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).
It includes everything from natural areas and ecosystems to every person, group and business, who are connected and depend on each other.
“Every time you choose locally made products and suppliers, reduce your household waste, support someone in your neighbourhood, or speak up for others and the environment, you’re helping bring about a better future in the biosphere,” Mayor Natoli said.
“The Biosphere Awards champion those who are going above and beyond in leading the way toward that future.”
Nominations can be made on Sunshine Coast Council’s website.
