In a world where collaboration is key to addressing the climate crisis and other social and environmental challenges, it's crucial to bring people together across different industries and perspectives.

Impact Hour Illawarra is a space for anyone passionate about corporate responsibility, sustainability, ESG, and driving impact to connect, learn, and grow.

These in-person events break down barriers and build community by inviting professionals and enthusiasts from all levels and backgrounds to meet up, share ideas, and enjoy meaningful conversations.

Featuring expert panel discussions on pressing sustainability topics and guided networking opportunities, Impact Hour Illawarra fosters local connections that can drive real change.

Plastics Recycling in the Illawarra

Join us for Impact Hour Illawarra on 25 November 2025, as we explore how plastics are being — and can be — recycled across our region. Featuring two leading local companies that have made significant strides in plastics recycling, alongside two experts specialising in plastics and supply chain systems, we’ll unpack what businesses, consumers, and the community can do to support recycling efforts and accelerate the shift toward a circular economy.

Together, our speakers will share how they started, how their work has evolved, and what’s been learned along the way, as we discuss key questions such as:

What is the future of plastics recycling in the Illawarra?
What does this mean for local businesses?
How can the community and consumers help close the loop and drive a circular economy?

This event welcomes sustainability professionals, business owners, corporate leaders, and anyone passionate about building a more sustainable future. Join us to connect, learn, and contribute to shaping practical recycling pathways for plastics in the Illawarra.

Hear from our panel of experts and join the conversation

	Phil Preston is a locally based speaker, facilitator, strategist and event host. He’s the author of Connecting Profit with Purpose, co-founder of Impact Hour and the co-founder of Purpose Ignition, a community of senior leaders championing purpose in business. Phil’s also an accredited ‘master facilitator’ with critical thinking experts, Janellis.
	Dr Helen Lewis is Convenor & Founding Member of Circular Plastics Illawarra, and Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS in Sydney. She assists companies, industry groups and government agencies with sustainability strategies for products and packaging. Helen has written widely on product stewardship and sustainability including books, book chapters and journal articles.
	Joel Walsh is the Sustainability and Operations Manager at Crooked River Estate in Gerringong. Emphasising business-wide environmental responsibility, through sustainable practices, is his primary focus. Additionally, Joel aims to collaborate with local and regional stakeholders to develop novel and effective sustainability methods that can be easily implemented by individuals, sole traders, and small and medium sized enterprises.
	Neel Honavar is Recycling Services Manager at The Flagstaff Group. He's passionate about working in and growing purpose orientated businesses that do good in the community. Neel thrives on customer engagement and finding solutions.
	Dr Tillmann Böhme is an Associate Professor, entrepreneur, and supply chain expert whose work bridges research and practice across industries worldwide. Known for his systems-based and pragmatic approaches, he drives innovation, business acceleration, and the transition toward circular economy models that create more sustainable and resilient value chains.