Noosa’s environment and sustainability champions turned out for the Noosa Biosphere Awards launch event at Land and Sea Brewery on Tuesday 7 September.
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) hosted the free launch and information session to raise awareness of this exciting new initiative.
NBRF executive coordinator Sharon Wright said the Noosa Biosphere Awards were a great opportunity to recognise the individuals, businesses and organisations that were implementing innovative local solutions to the global challenges of sustainable development in the community.
“The Noosa Biosphere Awards will recognise the people making a real difference in our community, those who are leading the way in environmental and sustainability innovation and excellence,” she said.
There are four category awards – land, water, wildlife and people and economy. Each have attracted high profile sponsors, demonstrating strong industry support for this program.
“We are very happy to announce USC Australia has sponsored the land award, Tourism Noosa the water award, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) are sponsoring the wildlife award, and Noosa Council have come on board to sponsor the people and economy award,” Ms Wright said.
The awards’ judging panel includes inaugural Noosa Biosphere Ltd chair Michael Donovan; former Zero Emissions Noosa president, Vivien Griffin; Noosa and District Landcare’s Phil Moran, former NBRF director Judy Castledine; and Noosa Shire Councillors Brian Stockwell, Amelia Lorentson, Karen Finzel and Tom Wegener.
“We are thrilled to have such a highly experienced panel of judges who will bring their extensive expertise and passion to the awards,” Ms Wright said.
Entries are currently open to individuals, businesses and organisations whose activities are within the Noosa Shire and which benefit the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.
“We encourage anyone who is making a positive difference in our community to apply for an award. We’ve aimed to make the application process as easy and inclusive as possible,” Ms Wright said.
Applicants should meet the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme objectives and aim to meet at least three of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Entries close Sunday 26 September. Winners will be announced at the Noosa Biosphere Wild Koala Gala on Tuesday 2 November.
For details on how to enter, visit noosabiosphere.org.au/awards
