Outdoors Queensland Awards Finalists

Outdoors Queensland is proud to announce the finalists of the 2026 Outdoors Queensland Awards. The awards judging panel would like to acknowledge all the finalists, all the nominees and all those who put forward a nomination, for all they have done for the outdoors in Queensland.

The winners will be announced on October 30 at the annual Outdoors Queensland Awards Dinner – BOOK HERE!

Congratulations to all!

Klepper Training Academy Outdoor Professional Award
This award is for individuals who have demonstrated professionalism, high achievement in a particular field and exemplary role modelling.
Finalists:

• Darryl Dilger
• Steve Whitmore
• Tom Barton

K2 Base Camp Emerging Achiever Award
This award recognises the efforts and achievements of an individual new to the outdoor sector; a student, a young person, or anyone making a change into the sector.
Finalists:

• Alice Montya
• Rochelle Dove
• Ella Phillips

Equipped Outdoors Outdoor Education Award
This award is for school, early childhood, out of school care, camp or outdoor education providers that deliver outdoor education programs in outdoor adventurous settings, and significantly influence a participant’s physical ability, mental health and ability to thrive
Finalists:

• Total Adventures
• Berrinba East State School
• Trinity Anglican School
• Adventure Alternatives

AQIA Workforce Development Award
This award is open to any organisation that supports workforce development by taking on trainee employees/volunteers, provides in-house training or supports workers to undertake external training.
Finalist:

• Walkabout Training
• Paramount Adventure Centre

Queensland Government Outdoor Recreation Award
This award is for an outdoor recreation peak body, club, provider, event or product that stands out from all others; has raised awareness about the benefits of outdoor recreation and being outdoors; has increased participation in outdoor recreation; and has made a significant impact on the outdoor recreation sector.
Finalists:

• parkrun
• Queensland Muslims
• Townsville Bushwalking Club

Protect Beautiful Queensland Outdoor Therapies Award
The recipient of this award is an individual, organisation or program that has significantly improved the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders through the use of nature and/or adventure by delivering innovative programs, interventions, training, advocacy and/or research.
Finalists:

• Birdwings Forest School
• Naturally Kids Allied Health
• My Summit ABTS

Queensland Government Adventure Tourism Award
This award is for a tourism operator, event or product that delivers outdoor activity adventure products for either local or inbound participants.
Finalists:

• Adventure Tribe
• Cape York Motorcycle Adventures
• Alrock Adventures

Queensland Government Outdoor Volunteer Award
This award is for individuals who have given outstanding service as volunteers to the outdoor sector.
Finalists:

• Brent Greenfield
• Sabina Kath

Outdoors Queensland Government Achievement Award
The Government Achievement Award recognises the achievements of local or state government department, agency, person or program and/or agency that has produced positive outcomes for the outdoor sector.
Finalists:

• Bundaberg Regional Council – fostering an outdoor participation
• City of Moreton Bay – Lagoon Road Mountain Bike Trails
• Brisbane City Council – Gap Creek MTB Trail Network

The Winners will be announced on October 30 at the annual Outdoors Queensland Awards Dinner – BOOK HERE!

To vote for your favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award, first review all the Finalists, then enter your selection in the People’s Choice Voting form.

Outdoors Queensland thanks and acknowledges the ongoing support of the Outdoors Queensland Awards from our sponsors: the Queensland Government, K2 Base Camp, the Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance, Equipped Outdoors, Protect Beautiful Queensland, Klepper Training Academy and Element Photo and Video Productions