Melbourne's North Circular Economy Forum

Hosted by the City of Whittlesea and delivered by NORTH Link, Melbourne's North Circular Economy Forum is an action-focused event designed to support manufacturers and SMEs as environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements become increasingly critical in 2026 and 2027, not only for compliance but also for access to finance, insurance, major customers, and long-term competitiveness.

Through expert panel sessions and industry-led discussions, attendees will learn how businesses are:

• Reducing waste and emissions

• Improving resource efficiency

• Designing for circularity

• Turning waste into new revenue streams

• Strengthening supply chain transparency and compliance

This Forum goes beyond theory, providing practical guidance across all three pillars of ESG:

1. Environmental: Waste reduction, emissions management, circular design, resource recovery, waste-to-value opportunities, and sustainable packaging solutions.

2. Social: Local employment, ethical sourcing, workforce practices, and delivering positive community impact.

3. Governance: ESG reporting, traceability, regulatory compliance, risk management, and preparing for upcoming disclosure requirements.

Breakout Sessions:

Participants will have the opportunity to join targeted breakout sessions featuring real-world case studies and circularity topics.

If you want to stay competitive, bankable and supply-chain ready, this Forum will give you the clarity, connections and confidence to take action. This Forum will equip you with clear, achievable strategies you can apply immediately to improve resilience, reduce costs and position your business for future growth.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Hume City Council

Speakers and Panellists:

Keynote - Dr Heinz Schandl, Senior Principal Research Scientist and Circular Economy Lead, CSIRO

Panel 1: Circular Economy 101: What it means for your business

• Jan Bjelic, Brunswick Site Lead, CoLabs

• George Hatzimanolis, CEO, RePurpose It

• Dr Aida Golneshin, Innovation and Sustainability Advisor, Edlyn Foods

• Adam Norris, Founder and Design Principal, Annular Design

• Dr Heinz Schandl, Senior Principal Research Scientist and Circular Economy Lead, CSIRO

Identifying Circular Economy Opportunities in Melbourne's north:

• Dr Heinz Schandl, Senior Principal Research Scientist and Circular Economy Lead, CSIRO

• Dr Alessio Miatto, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO

Panel 2: From Waste to Value: Simple Circular Wins for SMEs

• Marshall Waters, Owner, ReWine

• Julie McKay, Founder and Managing Director, Enable Australia

• Tyrone Hunter, Business Development Manager, IPS

• Katrina Naish, Founder, A Fitting Connection

• Steve Morriss, Head of Circular Economy, Close the Loop

Panel 3: Circular Economy ESG and Regulatory Compliance

• Samatha Zabrowski, Principal, Business Advisory, William Buck

• Victor Barichello, CEO, Empauer

• Richard Ralphsmith, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, DPR&Co

• Caroline Bennett, CEO, Green Energy Carbon Management

Panel 4: Creating products & revenue from Food Waste

• Georgia Brown, Waste to Energy Officer, ReWaste - Yarra Valley Water

• Rebecca Hawking, Waste Diversion Officer, City of Whittlesea

• Syed Shahed, Chief Operating Officer, Melbourne Market

• Dr Sarah King, Business Development Manager, Gaia EnviroTech

• Emil Kroel, Technical Engagement Lead, End Food Waste

Exhibitors:

The Forum will also feature exhibitors showcasing circular products, services and solutions, alongside structured networking opportunities with peers, suppliers, service providers and industry partners.

Display Spot (Trestle Table, Chairs and Power):

• $385.00 (NORTH Link member or partner)

• $650.00 (non-member)

• FREE with Sponsorship

Each display spot will include a 1.8m x .7m trestle table (approx.), two chairs and a power supply within a 2m x 2m space. Exhibitors will be expected to display their products on their tabletops. Companies may bring their own pull-up banners, tablecloths, marketing collateral and literature. All exhibitors will receive two complimentary attendance tickets. Any additional tickets must be purchased by the company.