The Noosa Biosphere is calling for new board members and with vacancies on many of the sector boards, the biosphere is looking to renew and refresh with passionate individuals from all ages and all walks of life.

“There are currently around 60 sector board members volunteering and pitching in together to help make our region a better place, this makes for an exciting melting pot of ideas and projects”, said Chairman Michael Donovan.

With over 60 sector board members already, one could be forgiven for thinking there were enough volunteers, but Mr Donovan disagrees.

“The structure we have now allows for a large number of locals to get involved at all levels, and because we have so many projects on the go at the moment, it gives everyone a chance to pick and choose the things they are interested in, without overloading any one person.”

There are four sector boards with vacancies at the moment including the Cultural Board, the Social Board, the Environment Board and the Education Research and Development Board.

Each board meets once every six weeks for a couple of hours to discuss and action biosphere related activities. 

Participation is voluntary and in addition, many members put in hours outside those meetings to work in partnership with others to complete projects.

“Large groups with diverse views can be daunting to some so we want everyone to know that whatever age or experience you are most welcome, all that is required is a passion for our biosphere region,” continued Mr Donovan.

Cultural Board member Peter Homan agrees and further adds that each board is unique in its own way with a focus on the things that matter most to their members.

“The Cultural Board is passionate about innovation and creativity within a sustainable framework, by not only focusing on the traditional arts and heritage but also on new and emerging creative technologies.”

Similar stories come from each of the other sector boards, with each board focused on different aspects of living within the biosphere.

With UNESCO endorsement and a track record of many recent projects including the successful community event Biosphere Day, all current sector board members are keen to work in partnership with the broader community to further the aims and objectives of the Noosa Biosphere reserve including conservation, sustainable development and education.

Applications are encouraged and will be assessed on responses to the selection criteria, with forms available from the Biosphere website.

Membership is open to anyone, and candidates are chosen by the current volunteer sector board members and then the recommended candidates are ratified by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. 

Sector board membership is not a formal directorship with the associated formal or legal obligations, but instead a voluntary position among peers to improve the biosphere status and activity.

Applications open (today) on Friday 18th of February for 2 weeks.  Further details on how to apply, including downloadable application forms, can be found here.  ***EXTENDED CLOSING DATE: NOW 11th MARCH***