I’m excited to share the details of a project I am working on until December – the FREE Gippsland Circular Futures Initiative Program—a unique opportunity to support Gippsland enterprises in their transition toward a more sustainable, circular economy.

What is the Gippsland Circular Futures Initiative?

At its heart, this program is designed to help small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Gippsland embrace the principles of a circular economy. It’s all about reducing waste, reusing resources, regenerating nature, and driving innovation to create a resilient and sustainable future.

Who is the Program For?

You might be thinking this program is only for businesses that are already heavily focused on sustainability—but that’s not the case! This initiative is for everyone, from family-owned cafes and local manufacturers to farmers, medical clinics, opportunity shops, and service-based companies.

Even if you’ve never heard of the circular economy, or you believe you’re already doing all you can to be sustainable, this program is still for you. It’s a chance to share your journey, discover where you stand, and explore how you can take your next steps toward circularity.

A front view of an independent small business owner packaging her handmade leather products, She is committed to sustainability using recycled eco-friendly packaging for her repurposed leather products. She is securing the packaging. On the wall, more examples of her work can be seen in her studio in Wales. / Female Focus Collection

Why Should You Participate?

Participating in this program can help your business in several ways:

  • Boost profitability by reducing waste and making more efficient use of resources.
  • Enhance your enterprise’s long-term resilience, making it better prepared for the future.
  • Strengthen your reputation as a community leader by showcasing your commitment to sustainability.

Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to volunteer for case studies, which will showcase your business’s circular economy journey. These stories will not only provide recognition but also promotion for your enterprise, demonstrating your leadership to a broader audience.

What the Program Offers:

This initiative includes three hands-on workshops led by Federation University experts. These sessions are designed to give you practical knowledge and tools to integrate circular economy principles into your operations.

  1. Workshop 1: Introduction to Circular Economy & Self-Assessment
    • Learn the fundamentals of circular economy, understand the relevance to your business, and complete a practical self-assessment.
  2. Workshop 2: Embedding Circular Economy, Carbon Literacy & Carbon Accounting
    • Gain practical strategies for embedding circular economy principles, including carbon accounting, and explore systems thinking for creating community and business value.
  3. Workshop 3: Implementation & Measurement for Success
    • Create an actionable plan with measurement metrics to ensure successful implementation.

You’ll also receive support to use self-assessment tools and implement achievable actions. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with other organizations working toward a circular economy, sparking collaboration and shared learning.

Program Details:

  • Dates: October 16th, 23rd, and 30th
  • Time: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
  • Locations: Bairnsdale, Sale, Leongatha/Korumburra, Warragul, and Morwell (choose the most convenient location for your three workshops)

Register by October 11th, 2024: forms.office.com/r/3XZjcmnZqD

You are encouraged to share this program with anyone you know who runs a small to medium-sized enterprise in Gippsland. More information can be found in the news section of the GCCN website, Food and Fibre Gippsland website, and GCCN’s Facebook or LinkedIn pages. You may also wish to follow the Gippsland Circular Economy Hub.

For any questions or additional information, feel free to reach out directly—I’d love to help you get involved! tammy.logan@gccn.org.au

5 thoughts

  1. Hi – I am away in the U.S. from 23rd October to 15th November, but interested in this project.

    If you run it again or defer it I am in Rosedale and could get to either Traralgon or Sale.

    Good luck with the program.

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      1. Hi Tammy, thanks for the reply. If I can make it on the 16th and get recordings of the other two that would be great. I have already deleted the original information. Where and at what time is the 16th please.

        Many thanks,

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      2. Hi Frances, all 3 Sale workshops will be held at the Port of Sale. Once you register you will get other relevant information prior to each workshop. Here is the link to the form again forms.office.com/r/3XZjcmnZqD. Thanks Frances, I look forward to seeing it come through. And sorry I didn’t see your message earlier. Tammy

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