The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) recognised individual and collective commitment to the environment and sustainability when it announced the winners of the 2024 Noosa Biosphere Awards at a ceremony last week at Sunshine Beach Surf Club.
More than 40 individuals, businesses and organisations operating within the Noosa Shire entered the awards, the only awards dedicated to environment and sustainability in the region, which were judged across six categories by a panel of local experts, with winners selected from 23 finalists.
The awards recognised those making a difference in the areas of environmental stewardship, social impact, conservation, business sustainability, technology and innovation. In addition this year the judges presented an encouragement award to a young environmentalist Gene Young.
NBRF chair Fiona Berkin told the audience in its simplest form a biosphere allows us to live within the limits of our natural resources.
“It is a place where people share a way of living with nature while supporting a future of which we can be assured,” she said.
What makes Noosa Biosphere Reserve special is its diverse range of plants and animals, its species richness and habitat diversity in a region where sub tropical and temperate meet, along with the economy people bring, she said.
Among the many stories from well-deserved award winners, was one of the most inspiring from the youngest winner.
Young Environmental Steward award winner Spencer Hitchen told the audience how, despite losing a hard-fought battle to save a habitat of vulnerable Glossy Black Cockatoos to a development, he initiated World Stand Up 4 Nature Day to bring hope to others who were devastated by the loss.
“World Stand Up for Nature Day I started on 9 September after our habitat was destroyed, because I wanted to restore hope in the community,” Spencer said. “A lot of people had lost hope after witnessing the destruction of that habitat. After the habitat was destroyed, Fledge was a glossy black cockatoo that came in on 9 September, into his habitat. After that habitat was destroyed he was killed on the road because he flew out of his lost habitat. He flew into a dangerous habitat with busy roads, with cars flying past in an urban environment and he was killed on the road and that was so sad to see. Glossy Bob, one of my heroes and mentors, found Fledge on the road. That’s how World Stand Up for Nature Day came about on 9 September. I wanted to celebrate him and help people protect habitat so other glossies like Fledge wouldn’t have the same thing happen to them into the future.”
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 event on 3 November coincided with the UNESCO International Day for Biosphere Reserves.
For more information visit wnoosabiosphere.org.au/awards.
Award winners:
Young Environmental steward sponsored by University Sunshine Coast
Spencer Hitchen
Since the age of eight Spencer has raised global awareness of the plight of the vulnerable Glossy Black Cockatoo and the importance of protecting their habitat through his journey to Save the Glossies Forest in his own backyard. Following the loss of this habitat to a development Spencer initiated World Stand Up 4 Nature Day on September 9, 2023 to restore hope and inspire people around the world to stand up for nature and celebrate the collective efforts of conservationists globally.
Environmental Steward Award – sponsored by Noosa MP Sandy Bolton
Philip Moran
Phillip (Phil) Moran has been a significant force in conservation and land restoration in our region. Since joining Noosa and District Landcare at its inception in 1991, Phil has become the General Manager. His leadership and adaptive management have been crucial to Noosa Landcare’s success as a community organization and local business. With more than 30 years of experience, he is a trusted advisor on conservation, property planning, and land restoration and management. Phil is also a passionate and admired mentor to students, staff, volunteers, NRM professionals, and local landholders.
Social Impact Award – sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa
Noosa Landcare Training Program
Noosa and District Landcare has trained more than 400 individuals in conservation, ecosystem management, and other fields since 2002, including 10 Kabi Kabi First Nations trainees. Our programs open doors to fulfilling careers in conservation, providing essential skills and opportunities that enrich our community and nurture the beautiful Noosa region we all cherish.
Thriving Nature Award – sponsored by Noosa4Sale
Noosa Koala Habitat Restoration Program
The Noosa Koala Habitat Restoration Program focuses on restoring vital koala habitats in the Noosa Shire. Over five years, it has propagated more than 360,000 trees and planted thousands of trees over 600 hectares, creating significant corridors for our local koalas and other threatened species. This program enhances biodiversity, supports local employment, and aligns with UNESCO’s conservation goals.
Smart Biosphere Award – sponsored by Noosa Council Economic Development
EnergyFlex
EnergyFlex helps Australians fight climate change and cost-of-living pressure by changing how they use energy. The free app which rates how well you use renewable, has a unique rating system, and personalised insights empower households and businesses to use more renewable energy, which saves money, reduces carbon emissions, and improves their energy wellness as they become Renewables Ready.
Sustainable Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Tourism Noosa
Sunshine Social
Celebrating Sunshine Beach and the community, Sunshine Social (cafe + roastery) is a hub for local community and coffee lovers. Sustainability is core to everything we do. One of our key projects was our coffee grinds to compost program. We have diverted nearly 14 tons from landfill in the last 12 months. It’s not an easy thing for hospitality businesses to get involved in. It’s quite tricky and expensive. The fact we divert coffee grinds from going to landfill – it should just be the norm. That’s energy, that’s an amazing resource. We should be embracing it.
Judges Encouragement Award – Gene Young
