Community-led change is liberating a Chain of Ponds from a concrete drain. How did this transformation come to life and how can business strategically support in litter prevention?

Event #3 of the Working with Water series will partner with the Chain of Ponds Collaboration & Circular Economy Vicotoria welcoming professionals and concerned citizens passionate about community leadership, circular economy and urban grasslands restoration. Together, we’ll explore how a culture shift in water management is transforming how communities and businesses connect with their local waterways.

It takes a village to care for our urban waterways, so come and get involved!

Special guests:

- Samuel Wines, Co-Founder of CoLabs

A transdisciplinary innovation hub providing a nurturing and supportive co-working environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and impact-driven research and development for those who are dedicated to creating positive change and are advocating for policies and practices that support the growth of a bio-based economy, life science sector, and sustainable innovation ecosystem in Australia.

- Neil Sutton - Chain of Ponds Collaboration

The Chain of Ponds Collaboration identified litter and rubbish dumping as a catchment-wide issue for Moonee Ponds Creek litter education and urban renewal as opportunities to transform the Creek (Chain of Ponds Prospectus). A Litter Working Group was formed in June 2019 to identify actions the group could implement and/or advocate for - to address the litter issue. It was felt that an agreed and shared action plan would help the group to prioritise and coordinate energies for the greatest impact, reducing the incidence and impact of litter and the cost of litter removal.

A clear framework and plan identifying the high priorities for investment was developed in conjunction with Alluvium Consulting and released in December 2020. The working group used this plan to build a Litter Action Plan, which is currently being worked through by Neil Sutton and the working group. Currently in its initial phase (Phase 1), the focus is on connecting the community to litter accumulation spots on the creek and gathering data at these locations through regular clean-up/audit events. This information is being stored in Litterwatchvictoria.org.au, and will be used in Phase 2 of the Litter Action Plan to provide performance indicators for litter source reduction tactics at each litter source hotspot area (as defined by the litter assessment) across the catchment.

- Ian Wong - Circular Economy Victoria

Ian, is a co-founder and President of Circular Economy Victoria, a not-for-profit dedicated to Victoria’s transition to a more Circular Economy by enabling the establishment and growth of small and medium Circular enterprises.

He has a deep passion for applying Doughnut Economics to work towards a safe and just world where everyone can thrive in balance with our planet. As a former Partner in IBM’s consulting business, at various times, he has led IBM’s digital strategy, experience and design practice, and retail industry practice in Australia and New Zealand.

He serves on the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria and Circular Economy Victoria Board. Ian also works on assisting organisations of any size to take advantage of digital capabilities to grow their enterprise by developing engaging customer and stakeholder experiences whilst staying true to their core purpose and values.

He has lived in many places worldwide, including England, Mauritius, Canada, Singapore, and the USA and has finally settled in Melbourne with his wife and two young children.

Reinvesting in Water Country

All proceeds will be reinvested back into our grassroots environmental partner organisations to support their essential frontline work as part of Regen Projects and La Loyka’s respective 1% for the Planet commitments.

Background

Matt Sykes at Regen Projects and Karin Traeger at La Loyka (her new consultancy) have teamed up with grassroots water organisations across Naarm / Melbourne for a 5-part event series called Working with Water. In the month leading up to World Rivers Day, these interactive conversation circles are designed to inspire and mobilise leaders from business, government, community, non-profits and First Nations to become active in the integrated care and management of their local urban waterways. The events will raise awareness about the critical issues facing these life support systems, from stormwater pollution to climate change and biodiversity loss. We’ll also spotlight the frontline professionals working across the system to embed innovative solutions for today, tomorrow and future generations.

More information:

Nora Silva, Events, Programs & Community Coordinator

nora@regenprojects.earth

Regen Projects