2025 Award Recipients

Citizen of the Year - Sponsored by 7 News Sunshine Coast

Claire Smith

Claire is a tireless wildlife advocate who raised over $600k during the 2019/20 bushfires, supporting 50 rescue groups. She built Queensland’s first kangaroo hospital and is now fundraising $5M for a koala conservation centre. Claire also writes and donates children’s books to those in trauma. Through the Lionhearted Foundation and various local charities, she empowers women and supports vulnerable communities. Named Queensland’s Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards, Claire’s impact is truly remarkable.

Senior Citizen of the Year (tied result)- Sponsored by Maroochy RSL

Tony Long

Tony has dedicated over 50 years to shaping the Sunshine Coast through visionary volunteer leadership. He helped establish the Sunshine Coast Turf Club, Currimundi Community Kindergarten, and Sunshine Coast Stadium. As a board member of the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation, he secured major funding for the Wishlist Centre. Tony has also served in roles across education, emergency services, transport planning, and Rotary. His legacy is one of tireless service, community building, and transformative regional development.

Dr Ken Wishaw

Dr Ken is a pioneering anaesthetist and rescue doctor whose innovations in helicopter medicine and trauma care have saved lives across Australia and beyond. In retirement, he champions dark sky preservation, cofounding the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance and advocating for smarter lighting to reduce light pollution. Ken organises stargazing events, advises councils, and helped shape the Sunshine Coast’s Marine Turtle Conservation Plan. His global recognition and local advocacy make him a leader in sustainability and science education.

Young Citizen of the Year - Sponsored by 92.7 Mix FM

Finley Coll

Finley lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and uses a powered wheelchair and communication device, but his humour and leadership shine far beyond that. As Vice Captain at Meridan State High, he’s championed disability inclusion and helped shape the Sunshine Coast Council’s All-Abilities Action Plan. Through his internship at Spinal Life Australia, he leads workshops, advocates for accessibility, and initiated the FUNctional Market Day. Finley’s voice, vision, and advocacy are transforming the region into a more inclusive community.

Community Group or Organisation (tied result)- Sponsored by Sunshine Coast Daily

Bamboo Projects

Bamboo Projects is a Sunshine Coast-based charity and NDIS provider that empowers people with mental health challenges or disabilities through environmental programs. Participants engage in conservation work, including waterway clean-ups and recycling, gaining skills and confidence. The organisation fosters inclusion, community connection, and environmental stewardship. With strong partnerships and a focus on longterm impact, Bamboo Projects transforms lives and landscapes, proving that social recovery and ecological restoration can go hand in hand.

ECOllaboration

ECOllaboration is a leading environmental organisation on the Sunshine Coast, dedicated to conservation, education, and sustainability. Through partnerships and volunteer programs, they’ve restored koala habitats, removed marine debris, and trained hundreds in ecosystem management. Their traineeships empower marginalised groups, while school programs inspire future custodians. ECOllaboration exemplifies collective action, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals and fostering a thriving, resilient biosphere community.

Healthy Planet - Sponsored by University of the Sunshine Coast

TurtleCare Sunshine Coast

TurtleCare Sunshine Coast is a volunteer-powered conservation program protecting endangered marine turtles through hands-on monitoring, education, and advocacy. Over 20 years, it has grown into a vital community initiative, engaging over 250 citizen scientists and thousands of residents. Their work informs environmental policy, supports biodiversity, and fosters deep connections between people and place. By uniting science, culture, and community spirit, TurtleCare ensures future generations can witness the wonder of turtles nesting on local shores.

Creative Arts – Sponsored by Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation

Lyndon Davis

Lyndon Davis is a cultural leader and Kabi Kabi Traditional Custodian whose artistic and educational work has profoundly enriched the Sunshine Coast. Through decades of performance, public art, and mentoring, he has shared Kabi Kabi culture with thousands, fostering deep community connections. His leadership in festivals, schools, and cultural programs empowers youth, supports emerging artists, and bridges traditional and contemporary practices. Lyndon’s lifelong dedication strengthens cultural identity and ensures Indigenous knowledge remains a vibrant part of community life.

Healthy People - Sponsored by My Weekly Preview

Disabled Surfers Association Sunshine Coast

Disabled Surfers Association Sunshine Coast provides inclusive surfing experiences for people with physical or cognitive disabilities. Entirely volunteer-run, the organisation ensures each participant is supported by a team of helpers, creating a safe and joyful environment. Their partnerships with schools and surf clubs foster youth involvement and community spirit. DSA’s commitment to dignity, inclusion, and fun has made surfing accessible to many who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, enriching lives and building lasting connections.

Biosphere Business of the Year - Sponsored by Unitywater

Aqua Ubique

This Sunshine Coast-based clean tech social enterprise uses atmospheric water generation to produce clean drinking water from air. Founded by a local veteran, it supports local jobs and donates units to remote First Nations communities. Its circular model eliminates plastic waste and transport emissions, aligning with SDGs and Sunshine Coast Biosphere values. Aqua Ubique champions innovation, sustainability, and community impact, offering a decentralised, low-energy water solution that benefits both urban users and vulnerable regions.