Guest Speaker Bios

The founder of Zero Plastics Australia and we specialise in turning single use plastic lids into brand new practical products.

Ali is a multidisciplinary creative in fashion, fine art, and communications, currently a PhD candidate in Fashion and Textiles at

Caitlin is a circular economy (CE) leader, who supports the circular innovation ecosystem as a trainer, facilitator and strategic convenor.

Liz is a junior doctor working in Victorian public system, and part of Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA). DEA

A seasoned sustainability consultant dedicated to embodying his values through his work and personal life. He is currently leading a

Saina Mirpuri, year 9 student of Huntingtower School, is a courageous, fun loving and passionate person who loves travelling, food

Clancy Lester is an environmental educator, and passionate about biodiversity, sustainability, and finding hopeful ways to act on climate.

As an enrolled nurse, entrepreneur, and owner of Recycle Wise, Antoinette is a passionate advocate for environmental and climate action

Darren Thorpe is Managing Director of APR and a respected leader in Australia’s recycling sector. With over 40 years’ experience,

Through 2023 and early 2024 Lucy planned and delivered Bayside City Council’s Roving Repair Program, funded by Sustainability Victoria. <br

Dr Georgia McCorkill is a senior lecturer in design in the School of Fashion and Textiles. Her research explores sustainable

Even the best ideas can hit roadblocks when dealing with the law. Meet Andrew Swann, co-founder of Circular Resources Australia

Since the age of 15, Felix has applied his skills in art and design to support businesses and individuals in

Owner of the local salad bar Green-On in Richmond, champions eating for impact by minimizing food waste with creative recipes

Gabrielle has spent the past three years at the Richmond Football Club, playing a key role in delivering the club’s

Vice President of Circular Economy Victoria (CEV), holds formal qualifications in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Applied Finance, and Innovation for Sustainability. Inspired

Jacinta Bisognin is a passionate and adaptable changemaker with a background in environmental management and community engagement. From working with

Vice President of Circular Economy Victoria (CEV), holds formal qualifications in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Applied Finance, and Innovation for Sustainability. Inspired

Kade is a dedicated advocate for social justice and environmental protection, with experience in volunteer coordination, fundraising, and program development.

Director of Every Bit Counts, crafting sustainable events that make a positive impact without the waste. Joining us to explore

Chef and owner of Flavours of Syria, is a celebrated public speaker with a profound impact, having presented at Festival21,

A dynamic comedian, broadcaster, and keynote speaker with over thirty years of experience entertaining audiences from Melbourne to LA and

A distinguished leader in strategic innovation and sustainability, with over 20 years of experience in commercializing research and advancing circular

Environmental Consultant specializing in waste management and minimisation as part of the Circular Economy team at Ratio. Mario’s work provides

Challenging conventions excites Max Moolman, especially when it comes to questioning the wastefulness of perfectly edible produce. Growing up on

Michael has been instrumental in introducing groundbreaking smart packaging technologies to the Australian market. He shares his expertise at key

Miriam Borcherdt is a visionary designer and researcher at RMIT University, currently pursuing a PhD that reimagines pre-consumer textile waste

Vice President of Circular Economy Victoria (CEV), holds formal qualifications in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Applied Finance, and Innovation for Sustainability. Inspired

Saina Mirpuri, year 9 student of Huntingtower School, is a courageous, fun loving and passionate person who loves travelling, food

Sarah Furnell is a Circular Economy Officer at Brimbank City Council. She led the delivery of Brimbank’s Soft Plastics Initiative

Associate Professor Lukas Parker is a top expert in social marketing and sustainability, leading the Communication Collaboratory to tackle behavior

Vice President of Circular Economy Victoria (CEV), holds formal qualifications in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Applied Finance, and Innovation for Sustainability. Inspired

Saina Mirpuri, year 9 student of Huntingtower School, is a courageous, fun loving and passionate person who loves travelling, food

Tarun, a PHD candidate, seeks to make advancements in circular economy and environmental conservation, making meaningful contributions to sustainable practices

Thom Fox is Repurpose It’s Education and Communications Specialist.
He has worked in the environmental education space for

Team leader of Evaluation and Research at Sustainability Victoria. Toby will share the SV State of Sustainability report findings relevant

Founder of City Compost Network (CCN), dedicated to making composting and food waste recycling a natural part of life. CCN

Zavi is a Merribek resident who is a volunteer member of Merri-Back Council’s Sustainable Communities Working Group .She has not