Alicja Kuzmycz
Ali is a multidisciplinary creative in fashion, fine art, and communications, currently a PhD candidate in Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University. Her research focuses on increasing garment wear through designs that respond to user feedback. With notable showcases at MF/W 2021 and a Top 20 spot in the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize 2023.
Ali’s research on how we wear our wardrobe, and what factors impact how often an item gets worn, may surprise you.
Miriam Borcherdt
Miriam Borcherdt is a visionary designer and researcher at RMIT University, currently pursuing a PhD that reimagines pre-consumer textile waste through a collaboration with Country Road. With a rich background that spans founding two fashion labels—kin-studio and munk—and co-founding the interdisciplinary design studio CODA in Perth, Miriam brings a wealth of experience to her work. Her career includes stints at renowned fashion houses like Romeo Gigli in Milan and John Galliano in Paris. Miriam’s teaching career, which began in 2011, has focused on sustainability and ethics. Her research explores the challenges and opportunities in remanufacturing unsold garments and integrating them back into the retail stream, shedding light on the hidden costs and complexities of circular fashion. Miriam advocates for more mindful design practices and consumer habits, aiming to shift the fashion industry’s perspective on its environmental impact and economic footprint.
Georgia McCorkill
Dr Georgia McCorkill is a senior lecturer in design in the School of Fashion and Textiles. Her research explores sustainable design strategies such as upcycling, repair, and participatory design. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and festivals within Australia. Her current project Fashion Fix investigates garment repair from industry, community, creative and activist perspectives. Georgia applies her research into sustainable and circular design to the development and teaching of subjects that embed new processes for creating and making from textile waste as a core competency for students in the Bachelor of Fashion (Design).
Tarun Grover
Tarun, a PHD candidate, seeks to make advancements in circular economy and environmental conservation, making meaningful contributions to sustainable practices in the textile industry. His work addresses the gap in end of life reclamation of textile fabrics, using cutting edge and creative solutions to close the loop.
Zachary Sequoia
A distinguished leader in strategic innovation and sustainability, with over 20 years of experience in commercializing research and advancing circular economy practices. As Co-Founder and CEO of Huum Pty Ltd, he is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking biotechnological solutions that convert high-impact organic waste, including human composting, into valuable resources. Zachary’s work focuses on optimizing composting processes and microbial efficiency to deliver carbon-positive solutions, contrasting traditional methods with advanced microbial techniques that enhance nutrient retention and add value. An engaging speaker and thought leader, he sheds light on organic waste myths and showcases how innovative composting strategies can drive climate change mitigation and sustainable growth, inspiring organizations to adopt cutting-edge, circular practices for a resilient future.
Xuan Wang
Founder of City Compost Network (CCN), dedicated to making composting and food waste recycling a natural part of life. CCN offers community composting resources, on-site waste management solutions, and has been recognized with multiple Social Enterprise Grants from the City of Melbourne. Xuan also co-founded Wasteplant Consulting, which features Gardenship—a revenue-generating, regenerative urban space that fosters circular economy practices and community connections. Wasteplant Consulting is a finalist for the 2024 Open Innovation Competition on Climate Tech. As a founding member of LOCCAL Australia, Xuan leverages her background in psychology and leadership to enhance community resilience through composting.
Adam Slater
The founder of Zero Plastics Australia and we specialise in turning single use plastic lids into brand new practical products.
After suffering a heart attack at age 30, quitting his career and studies, Adam embarked on a recycling plastic manufacturing journey. 3.5 years on, Adam and his team have recycled over 2,000,000+ single use lids, made over 76,000 products and educated over 5000 students.
Andrew Swann
Even the best ideas can hit roadblocks when dealing with the law. Meet Andrew Swann, co-founder of Circular Resources Australia (CRA). Since 2019, CRA has been helping businesses, associations, and government bodies navigate the maze of waste and recycling regulations. With hands-on experience in managing everything from EPA-licensed operations to hazardous waste, Andrew is here to share his know-how. They’ll break down common waste streams, offer compliance tips, and guide you on how to stay on the right side of Victoria’s EP Act. ANdrew has seen a lot, and is keen to use his experience to help answer questions from attendees.
Antoinette Pitt
As an enrolled nurse, entrepreneur, and owner of Recycle Wise, Antoinette is a passionate advocate for environmental and climate action through her roles as an ANMF Job Rep and a founding member of the Climate Rescue Accord. Antoinette will be sharing how she’s out to educate and change the mindset of the medical industry.
Frankie Cox
Owner of the local salad bar Green-On in Richmond, champions eating for impact by minimizing food waste with creative recipes and eco-friendly practices. Her initiatives include reusable takeaway packaging, a plumbed-in cleaning system that replaces single-use chemicals, and sustainable building materials like recycled glass and repurposed woodchips. Frankie aims to share her zero-waste framework to inspire other hospitality businesses towards a healthier, cleaner, and greener future.