Finding home through celebration, stories and Country

Standing in the forest, on Country in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Kerry Neill’s infectious enthusiasm spilled into laughter: “If you’re not celebrating, get up, mate!”

He was reflecting on the people whose stories were emerging in the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards, which celebrate those creating a better future.

Just under a week later, Kerry would go on to take out two categories at the 2026 awards ceremony.

“I really believe in our town, I believe in our culture, and I believe in our place,” Kerry said.

“Especially here on the Sunshine Coast, there are so many great things happening.

“These positive stories just need to be told.”

Kerry is well-versed in the inspirational potential of stories and knowledge-sharing in fostering connections to Country.

As a descendent of Kabi Kabi, Waka Waka and South Sea Islander peoples, director of TribalLink and co-founder of Hope Dreaming Centre, Kerry brings his boundless energy to ensure anyone can learn about First Nations culture.

The Hope Dreaming Centre in Caloundra features First Nations art, local advice and cultural experiences, while TribalLink in Mapleton leads school and corporate groups, or anyone with an interest, on walks and experiences on Country.

“It’s fantastic to see when people come on Country, they can actually see the things that we’re talking about, they can touch the things we’re talking about, they can taste the things we’re talking about,” Kerry said.

“Sharing that with other people has just been something that’s been a massive passion of mine for a really long time.”

That includes the storytelling, art, traditions, food, activities and construction methods at the heart of First Nations life and knowledge.

“We can’t stop it; it’s something that’s from within us.

“Those stories are still real, they’re still relevant, and they’re still here today.”

Biosphere Awards celebrate ways to a better future

At the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards 2026 ceremony, Kerry would go on to take out the Knowledge Innovator category as well as the Froggie Award.

The Knowledge Innovator category celebrates excellence in sustainability education, while the Froggie Award recognises impact for our environment, reinvigorating the tradition of the Sunshine Coast Environment Council’s Froggie Awards program.

“I didn’t know that I was going to be nominated for such a prestigious event, and I’m just really grateful that, if I was nominated, that somebody must be watching,” Kerry said.

“I think it’s fantastic to have these awards because, man, I’m sick of watching the TV and seeing all this negative stuff.”

Sunshine Coast Biosphere Coordinating Committee chair Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the awards recognised Kerry’s efforts in helping people better understand First Nations culture, care for our environment and feel more connected to this special place we call home.

“I’d like to thank Kerry for sharing his knowledge and deep connection to Country with such generosity, energy and pride,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Kerry shows people how culture, community and environment are all part of the same story, and how each of us can play a part in caring for our Biosphere.”

The human connection in story sharing

Even as he shares stories and knowledge, those stories remind Kerry to also learn from others.

“The Sunshine Coast… it’s home for us all, no matter where we’re born, no matter where we came from and where we’re going to go,” he said.

“The diversity in this forest alone behind me is fantastic, and when everything works together, it creates something that is just uniquely awesome.

“But I also think that learning from each other is one of the most important things in the world.

“Without each other, what else have we got?”

Explore more Sunshine Coast Biosphere stories

From turtle helpers and nature social clubs to helping people with disabilities catch a wave for the first time, incredible people are creating a better future right across our Biosphere.