The Sunshine Coast is home to individuals, organisations and businesses that are the fabric of the region, and now they have the chance to be celebrated.
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards.
Formerly known as the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards, they recognise the achievements and contributions of those who make a difference to life on the Sunshine Coast.
The Sunshine Coast Council-run awards also encourage nominees to share stories that can inspire others to make positive contributions in the community.
There are eight awards categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Community (group or organisation), Creative Arts, Healthy People, Healthy Planet and Biosphere Business of the Year.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was so important to celebrate the achievements of the community.
“The awards reward and recognise the volunteers, time givers, inspiring locals, facilitators, enablers and role models who make such a difference to our community and way of life,” Cr Natoli said.
“These people are the backbone of our Sunshine Coast and this is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their contribution.”

Councillor Maria Suarez said the Sunshine Coast Biosphere was so much more than the flora and fauna of the region.
“The biosphere is how we live, work, play and interact with each other and our natural environment,” Cr Suarez said.
“There are some great examples and explanations of what it means to live in a biosphere reserve on our website, through a series of short films.
“Essentially we’re hoping people will nominate someone they know or admire, either professionally or personally, who are doing great things out in the community.”
People can nominate themselves or their own business or organisation and criteria for selection can be found in each of the eight categories.
Entries can be completed online via council’s website. Nominations close on April 30 with the winners to be announced at a ceremony on June 13.
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