Meet our 2025 Citizen of the Year
Claire Smith is the latest Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Award's Citizen of the Year recipient. Find out why.
Our 2025 Citizen of the Year is Claire Smith
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Claire is a tireless wildlife advocate who raised over $600k during the 2019/20 bushfires, supporting 50 rescue groups. She built Queensland’s first kangaroo hospital and is now fundraising $5M for a koala conservation centre. Claire also writes and donates children’s books to those in trauma.
Through the Lionhearted Foundation and various local charities, she empowers women and supports vulnerable communities. Named Queensland’s Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards, Claire’s impact is truly remarkable.
Claire's nominator said
"I have known Claire for over 20 years and she never fails to inspire me. She stands up for and inspires others in our community to care about our wildlife.
During the terrible fires in 2019/20, she raised over $600k and donated it all to 50 small rescue groups across the country.
She raised enough money in 2022 to build QLDs first dedicated kangaroo hospital in Connondale and now she’s raising $5M to create a conservation education centre on 400 acres of core koala habitat.
Claire also writes, illustrates and self-publishes children’s books; many of which she donates to children in hospital, children who have experienced domestic violence and other situations of trauma.
Through her contribution to the Lionhearted Foundation she helps inspire, empower, and lead women through programs that protect, connect, educate and elevate women to reach their full potential.
Connected to many not-for-profit organisations on Sunshine Coast, Claire gives her time, experience and energy to help others. These include Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, EndEd, Owls for Justice (Victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse in sport advocacy.), Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast inc, Barefoot on the Ground Ltd, and other local charities.
Claire is one of those incredibly inspiring people who motivates those who meet her. She has such an amazing capacity for giving back to community. She is so deserving of being recognised for all that she has done, and does within our community.
This year she was honoured in the Australian of the Year Awards as the Local Hero for Queensland."
Congratulations Claire
