Image: Bass Coast Council Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead with Professor Veena Sahajwalla (source: Georgia Martin, Bass Coast Shire Council).
Circular economy experts from the Sustainable Communities and Waste were invited to take part in the Regional Circular Economy Summit on Phillip Island on 5 June, hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council.
Bringing together local councils, industry, academia and researchers, the summit focused on practical opportunities for building stronger regional circular economies. It also provided an important platform to showcase how science can drive local action on resource recovery and sustainable development.
As a panellist and keynote speaker, Hub leader Prof Veena Sahajwalla AO, shared her expertise in innovative recycling and materials science. Drawing on the Hub’s fit-for-purpose recycling technology research and her broader work with the SMaRT@UNSW, she discussed how regional and remote communities can benefit from decentralised solutions that recover the valuable resources in our waste.
Connecting science with local impact
The Hub works with communities across Australia to deliver co-designed research that addresses regional challenges. Events like this summit are critical for ensuring our research is grounded in local context and can support real-world decision-making.
By participating in forums like the Bass Coast event, SCaW researchers strengthen connections with councils and local stakeholders, helping shape policy and investment in circular economy initiatives that reflect regional needs and opportunities.
A shared vision for circular futures
The summit featured speakers from NSW and Victoria, including representatives from the Bega Circularity Group, Monash University, RMIT, Sustainability Victoria and local circular economy businesses. Participants also engaged in table discussions to explore circular economy priorities and actions for regional areas.
With growing national momentum around circular economy policy and innovation, events like this play an essential role in aligning the Hub’s science with community knowledge and regional leadership.
Learn more about the event here or visit the summit webpage.
