The Noosa Biosphere Awards 2022 finalists have been announced by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF).
The awards recognise sustainability excellence in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.
NBRF chair Fiona Berkin said entries represented a range of initiatives happening across the Noosa Biosphere from both the individual and business level.
“The level and breadth of entries received demonstrate the value our community places on maintaining the special balance Noosa has achieved between people and nature,” Ms Berkin said.
Entries were judged by an independent panel, including past NBRF Chair, Rex Halverson; former Zero Emissions Noosa President, Vivien Griffin; NBRF advisor, Shaun Walsh; former NBRF Director, Judy Castledine; and Noosa Councillors Brian Stockwell, Amelia Lorentson, and Karen Finzel.
Entries are judged across four category awards – Land, Water, Wildlife, and People & Economy. An additional category for Young Eco-Leader was also introduced this year.
The 2022 Noosa Biosphere Awards finalists are:
– Land category: Rosecliffe Boutique Farm Cottages, Eastwell Farms, Permeco Inc.
– Water category, sponsored by UniSC: NICA Waterwatch Team, NICA Get Your Wetlands project; Noosa World Surfing Reserve Stewardship Council.
– Wildlife category, sponsored by Tourism Noosa: Meghan Halverson, Kanu Kapers.
– People & Economy category, sponsored by Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa: Plastic Free Noosa, Zero Emissions Noosa Inc, Noosa Lakes, RACV Noosa Resort.
– Young Eco-Leader category, sponsored by Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club: Jarrah Small, Spencer Hitchen.
Winners will be announced at the Noosa Biosphere Gala and Awards 2022: Grow for Noosa on Tuesday 1 November at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas.
“Congratulations to all finalists and thank you to each of the entrants. Our community benefits from each and every one of your contributions. We can’t wait to celebrate our Noosa Biosphere community at the upcoming Gala on 1 November,“ Ms Berkin said.
“The Noosa Biosphere Gala is set to be a fabulous afternoon of local food, eco-fashions and great conversation about our food future with our industry panel. It’s also Matt Golinski’s last day as Executive Chef at View Restaurant so I encourage anyone who appreciates where their food comes from to join us for this conscious alternative fundraiser on what is traditionally celebrated as Melbourne Cup day.“
Tickets to the Noosa Biosphere Gala & Awards 2022 are on sale at noosabiosphere.org.au/gala
