The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) is proud to announce the finalists of the 2024 Noosa Biosphere Awards.
More than 40 individuals, businesses and organisations operating within the Noosa Shire entered the Awards, judged across six categories by a panel of local experts.
The Noosa Biosphere Awards recognise those making a difference in the Noosa region across areas of community impact, environmental stewardship, conservation, business sustainability, technology and innovation.
NBRF Program Manager, Garry Hamilton said this year’s entrants represent a diverse sector of the Noosa community.
“We’re thrilled with the quality of entries received. From youth and individuals to businesses and non-profits, there were many examples of people contributing positively to our Noosa Biosphere community and environment,” said Mr Hamilton.
“We extend our appreciation to event sponsor Noosa Council, category award sponsors, and in-kind sponsors, for without their support these Awards would not be possible,” said Mr Hamilton.
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve is one of 748 places in the world that has been declared by UNESCO as having achieved a notable balance between environment and sustainable human development.
The Awards are an initiative of the NBRF, a local registered charity with the purpose of advancing the objectives of the UNESO Man and the Biosphere Program in the Noosa Shire.
Judges selected 23 finalists across six award categories, each demonstrating outstanding contributions to environmental and/or community outcomes in the Noosa Shire.
The 2024 Noosa Biosphere Awards finalists are:
Young Environmental Steward Award (Sponsored by UniSC): Millie Toy, Spencer Hitchen.
Environmental Steward Award (Sponsored by Sandy Bolton MP – Independent Member for Noosa): Carolyn Lansdown, Nick Cooke, Paul Ryan, Phillip Moran.
Smart Biosphere Award (Sponsored by Noosa Council Economic Development): Energy Flex, Prestige Residential-On The Beach, Provectus Algae, Zero Emissions Noosa.
Social Impact Award (Sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa): Alsawha Estate, Noosa Landcare Training Program, Veggie Village Community Gardens, Whalesongs Noosa.
Sustainable Business of the Year Award (Sponsored by Tourism Noosa): Boomerang Bags Noosa, Eastwell Farms, Silicon Coast, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, Sunshine Social.
Thriving Nature Award (Sponsored by Noosa4Sale): Bushland Conservation Management, Noosa Koala Habitat Restoration Program, The Nature Conservancy Australia, Wildlife Noosa.
“We invite community members to come along and celebrate those making a difference in our community,” said Mr Hamilton.
Winners will be announced at the Noosa Biosphere Awards ceremony proudly sponsored by Noosa Council on Wednesday, 6 November at the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club. The event coincides with the UNESCO International Day for Biosphere Reserves (3 November).
For event details and tickets, visit www.noosabiosphere.org.au/awards.
