Insights from Our Circular Economy Workshops That are Helping NSW Councils Lead The Way

Why Circular Economy Workshops Matters for Councils

NSW councils are uniquely positioned to lead the shift to a circular economy (CE), transforming waste management, operations, and communities. While challenges like limited knowledge and resources persist, the ambition for sustainable, circular communities is growing.

But how are we helping make it happen? Our recent collaborations with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Circular Australia show how we’ve been working on the ground with councils to spark change. Through a series of workshops, we’ve empowered council representatives to embrace circular practices and equipped them with practical tools and strategies that make a meaningful impact.

What We’ve Been Up To

Sydney Accelerator (June 2024)

We ran a two-day workshop with 60 people from 41 councils aimed to inspire and equip council representatives with evidence-based strategies to embed circular economy practices in their operations. Experts shared insights, and participants brainstormed what circular communities could look like and how to get there.

Wagga Precinct Workshop (October 2024)

At REROC’s regional waste conference, we led a three-hour workshop focused on precinct-level circularity. Councils discussed challenges and shared ideas, like:

• The importance of building a strong business case.
• Developing partnerships to share resources and expertise.
• Tackling waste problems with a place-based approach showing regional councils that even with limited resources, significant progress is possible.
• Learning from case studies, such as Shoalhaven City Council’s inspiring efforts.

Real Impact, Tangible Results

The feedback has been incredible:

• More Confidence: 92% of attendees felt more confident advocating for circular projects within their councils.
• Commitment to Action: 40% of attendees committed to submitting circular project plans, with 54% considering doing so.
• Skill Development: Participants agreed that the workshops improved their ability to design and implement circular economy initiatives.

What’s Next for Circular Councils?

This is just the beginning.  As part of Phase 2 of the Circular Economy Accelerator Pilot, we’ll continue to track and support the progress of participating councils. By building on the momentum created in Phase 1, councils can lead the way in creating sustainable communities, reducing waste, and maximizing resource efficiency.

Let’s Team Up

At For Good For The Hood, we bring years of expertise in behaviour change, community development, and sustainability communications to help councils like yours achieve their circular economy goals. Partnering with us means:

• Workshops and resources tailored to your council’s needs.
• The tools and confidence to bring circular projects to life.
• Joining a growing movement of councils leading the way in sustainability.

Together, we can accelerate the transition to a circular economy and create a more sustainable future for NSW communities.  Get in touch to see how we can support your council.