CLAIR Forum 2025: ‘Waste Reduction and the Circular Economy’

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Centre for Local Government (CLG) at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) and The Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR Sydney) invite you to an interactive panel session on ‘Waste Reduction and the Circular Economy’. 

Waste reduction and the promotion of a circular economy are critical for local governments seeking to foster sustainable development, protection of the environment and stimulation of their local economy. 

The CLAIR Forum is an annual half-day seminar organised and sponsored by CLAIR Sydney and IPPG:CLG, which has been held since 1995. The Forum provides an opportunity for Australian and New Zealand government officials and academics to exchange knowledge and ideas on topics of mutual interest. 

Join our expert panellists Masahiro Nishimura (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Tokyo Metropolitan Government), Gemma Dawson (Manager of Waste Strategy, City of Sydney), Morihito Munakata (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Kuroishi City Council in Aomori Prefecture) and Carla Nelmes (Resource Recovery Education Officer, Penrith Council) along with IPPG Director Professor Carol Mills, and the CLAIR Director for an enlightening forum to explore innovative waste reduction strategies and circular economy initiatives. 

This hybrid event, hosted both in person and on Zoom, will emphasise the critical role of local government in fostering sustainability, with insights into waste management practices and their potential applications in both countries. The panel presentations will be followed by a Q & A session. 

Event Schedule

1.45 pm Arrival and registration
2.00 pm Presentations and Q&A
3.00 pm Light Refreshments and Networking
3.20 pm Presentations and Q&A
4.30 pm Networking
5.00 pm Conclusion

Meet our panellists

Masahiro Nishimura began his career at the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education in 2016, managing the JET Programme and English education projects. He then worked at the Internal Affairs Division, where he promoted city diplomacy and coordinated meetings between the Governor of Tokyo and European leaders, until his dispatchment to Sydney. During this time, he gained valuable insight into waste management while accompanying ambassadors on inspection visits to landfill sites in Tokyo Bay. Masahiro is currently the Assistant Director of CLAIR Sydney and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. 

Gemma Dawson is the Manager Waste Strategy at the City of Sydney Council, she has worked in waste, resource recovery and circular materials industry for more than 20 years. Her experience includes the development of policies, guidelines and strategies for reducing waste and designing for circularity, planning and procurement of waste and resource recovery infrastructure and driving circular innovation through partnerships with industry, academia, global cities networks and state and federal agencies.

Morihito Munakata began his career at the Kuroishi City Council of Aomori Prefecture in 2017, where he initially provided support for the National Health Insurance. He then transferred to the council's General Affairs Division, where he was responsible for reviewing and amending municipal ordinances and regulations, until his dispatchment to the CLAIR Sydney office in 2024. In November 2025, Kuroishi City will host the Local Government Exchange & Cooperation Seminar, where waste management will be one of the key themes. 

Carla Nelmes is a dedicated professional with a strong background in resource recovery and environmental sustainability. She is currently the Resource Recovery Education Officer at Penrith City Council, where she plays a key role in promoting sustainable waste management practices. Carla has demonstrated her commitment to environmental initiatives through her work on projects like "Commercial Resource Recovery," focusing on enhancing team collaboration, implementing innovative workstations, and transitioning to digital solutions.