Community heroes inspiring change in video showcase

A new video series is putting the spotlight on the local heroes bringing our community together, working in active conservation and innovating

From bringing a hungry community together with food diverted from waste to inspiring the next generation of advocates, our local champions are already forging the future of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere.

Now, their stories are in the spotlight for all to see, as part of a mini-documentary video series spreading the stories of inspirational people from across the region.

Living in our Sunshine Coast Biosphere

For the project, Pluggas filmmaker Fisch Rasy set out to find the community heroes embodying our Biosphere values – even if they didn’t realise it.

“A lot of the people doing things in the Biosphere, for the Biosphere, and contributing to the Biosphere, aren’t aware they’re doing so,” he said.

“They’re just doing it because it’s the right thing to do.

“We earned the designation because we were already doing the right thing, and we’re going to continue to advance that.”

What is the Sunshine Coast Biosphere?

The Sunshine Coast Biosphere is not just a place; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future of caring for our environment, creating thriving communities and growing our local economy.

Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2022, the Sunshine Coast community has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability with this international recognition.

We are now part of a global network of biosphere reserves showcasing how communities and nature can thrive together.

Authentic stories of our community champions

The videos feature stories of people working towards a more sustainable Sunshine Coast Biosphere through:

Inspiring kids to connect with, value and act for nature through the Kids in Action program
Diverting food waste from supermarkets and other sources through OzHarvest
Providing waste-reduction solutions for businesses with Waste Free Systems
Active conservation with Barung Landcare
Fostering a connection with Country with Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Traditional Custodians.

For Fisch, sharing the stories and voices of traditional custodians is important for everyone in the community to build a deeper connection with our region’s history and culture.

“They’re so open to sharing and trying to create cultural experiences.

“I think what people really want is a genuine connection to that culture and understanding.”

Community members featured in the videos include:

Kids in Action speaker Taylor Ladd-Hudson
Waste Free Systems CEO Bernie Craven with business owner Nicole Sylvester
Jinibara Elder Colin Ross
Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Advisory Group member Ella Woodborne
OzHarvest founder Michele Lipner with Reverend Tania Eichler
Barung Landcare nurseries manager Cam Burton
Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation representative Brian Warner.

Fisch said connection was always key to a community that cares, acts, and inspires others to do the same.

“We wanted people with real authentic stories because people will resonate with that.

“If you can take me on that journey through the story, it’s a completely different experience than having someone throw words at you.”

Kids in Action: Empowering our Biosphere's next generation

Kids are the next gamechangers of our biosphere. Kids in Action is a program where kids teach kids and empower them to make sustainability, conservation, and environment issues part of the conversation. “Each student becomes inspired in their own unique special way and each individual has their own unique power to spread the message."

OzHarvest: Supporting people for a stronger community

Oz Harvest addresses two key challenges: food insecurity and food wastage. Here they divert surplus food that would otherwise go to landfill and feed people who are going hungry. Oz Harvest Sunshine Coast acts as an enabler to create a sense of community.

Waste Free Systems: Building responsible business practices

Do you know 90% of waste in hairdressing salons could be recycled? Bernie Craven has set up the Waste Free Systems initiative to capture this waste so it doesn’t end up in landfill. Businesses can see the difference they are making from this small change.

Barung Landcare: Active conservation in our Biosphere

Barung Landcare is a Maleny-based community organisation with a history of education and restoration, helping landholders learn how to revegetate their properties. A big part of it has been the community nursery, collecting, growing and supplying local plants. Barung Landcare is an example of active conservation contributing to a more sustainable Sunshine Coast Biosphere.