Help us celebrate those creating a better future
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards are closing soon: enter now or nominate someone to celebrate people, groups, businesses and organisations building sustainability and driving change.
Kurt Jones stands with the award trophy
If you or someone you know is creating a better future for our region – whether they are a young person, a local champion, run a business or contribute to a community group – there’s still time to enter the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards.
The awards celebrate individuals, groups, businesses and organisations building sustainability and driving change throughout the Sunshine Coast Biosphere, with entries closing Monday 4 May.
That includes those working to forge strong community connections, educate, inspire change, lead sustainable business practices or care for our precious environment.
You can enter yourself or nominate another person, business, group or organisation for the excellence awards at the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards webpage on Council’s website.
Young changemakers in the spotlight
Mayor Rosanna Natoli, who chairs the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Coordinating Committee, said the awards included a Rising Biosphere Star to showcase young changemakers under 25, who often missed out on recognition in award programs.
“We know young people are already doing outstanding work through schools, community groups, sporting clubs and environmental projects, but they’re often the last to consider themselves for awards and recognition,” Mayor Natoli said.
“To the proud parents, teachers and friends of those young champions, this is their moment.
“I urge you to nominate them or encourage them to enter these awards – it could give them the confidence that their actions and ideas are making a difference.”
Enter now or nominate another person, business or group on Council’s website.
If nominated by someone else, nominees must complete the entry before entries close 5pm Monday 4 May.
“That process is a valuable learning opportunity for any nominee, including young people, to reflect on their impact and aspirations,” Mayor Natoli said.
Sunshine Coast Biosphere Award 2026 categories
Biosphere Ambassador, sponsored by Channel 7
The Biosphere Ambassador award recognises people who champion the Biosphere’s values and inspire others.
Rising Biosphere Star, sponsored by 92.7 Mix FM and Sea FM
The Rising Biosphere Star award showcases young changemakers, 25 years and under, who are driving positive impact.
Community Connection, sponsored by My Weekly Preview and Sunshine Coast News
The Community Connection award celebrates organisations that bring people together and foster strong connections and wellbeing across our communities.
Healthy Planet, sponsored by Australia Zoo
The Healthy Planet award celebrates people, groups or organisations actively protecting and restoring natural environments.
Biosphere Business Leadership, sponsored by Unity Water
The Biosphere Business Leadership award recognises businesses embedding sustainability at their core.
Knowledge Innovator, sponsored by UniSC
The Knowledge Innovator award 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.
About the Sunshine Coast Biosphere
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere was designated in June 2022, internationally recognising our region as a member of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).
It includes everything from our natural areas and ecosystems to every person, group and business, all connected and depending on each other.
The Biosphere Awards champion those who are going above and beyond in leading the way toward that future.