Celebrating Queensland’s outdoors champions

Held at Rydges South Bank, the awards marked their 25th anniversary and celebrated contributions across outdoor recreation, adventure tourism and the wider outdoor sector.

The Queensland Government supported four award categories, including the new People’s Choice and Outdoor Volunteer awards.

Congratulations to the winners of the Queensland Government sponsored categories:

Queensland Government People’s Choice Award

• parkrun – bringing Queenslanders of all ages and abilities together through 141 free, timed 5-kilometre events every Saturday, creating welcoming opportunities to get active in local parks and green spaces.

Queensland Government Outdoor Volunteer Award

• Brent Greenfield – recognised for more than two decades of volunteering with Scouts Queensland’s adventurous activities program, mentoring emerging leaders and supporting safe, inclusive abseiling and climbing activities across the state.

Queensland Government Outdoor Recreation Award

• Townsville Bushwalking Club – celebrating 65 years of bringing generations together through regular walks and multi-day trips, helping people of all ages explore North Queensland’s natural environment.

Queensland Government Adventure Tourism Award

• Cape York Motorcycle Adventures – recognised for responsible motorcycle tours in Far North Queensland, combining strong safety standards and respect for Traditional Owners and Country with more than 20 years of ecotourism certification.

The People’s Choice Award gave the community an opportunity to recognise a favourite finalist, while the Outdoor Volunteer Award celebrated the contribution of volunteers to the outdoor sector.

Together, the sponsored awards recognise people and organisations whose work supports the Queensland Government’s priorities of helping more Queenslanders get active, supporting volunteers, and making participation more accessible and inclusive, while strengthening local communities and showcasing our state’s natural environment.

The awards also recognised excellence across the wider outdoor sector. Congratulations to the winners of the remaining categories:

Klepper Training Academy Outdoor Professional Award

• Steve Whitmore – recognised for more than three decades of leadership in challenge course design and outdoor programs, sharing his expertise and helping shape the outdoor industry across Australia.

K2 Base Camp Emerging Achiever Award

• Ella Phillips – recognised for her leadership with Guides Queensland in Far North Queensland, using her climbing and low ropes skills to help girls build confidence and take part in outdoor adventures.

Equipped Outdoors Outdoor Education Award

• Berrinba East State School – recognised for its Outdoor Play and Learning program, helping students from Prep to Year 6 improve academic achievement and behaviour through outdoor learning.

AQIA Workforce Development Award

• Walkabout Training – recognised for combining outdoor adventure, culture and vocational learning to help participants build confidence, connect with Country and develop skills for the outdoor workforce.

Protect Beautiful Queensland Outdoor Therapies Award

• Naturally Kids Allied Health – recognised for its Joey’s Mob program, combining outdoor occupational therapy and nature-based play to help neurodivergent children build confidence, develop friendships and feel a sense of belonging.

Outdoors Queensland Government Achievement Award

• Bundaberg Regional Council – recognised for helping residents of all ages and abilities get active through community programs, partnerships and investment in coastal pathways and foreshore infrastructure.

Congratulations to all finalists and winners for their contribution to Queensland’s outdoor sector.

For the full list of winners, visit the Outdoors Queensland website.

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