Worms at Work launch: from food waste to fresh growth

Be part of something innovative, community-driven and even a little bit wriggly!

Join us at Fishermans Bend for the official launch of Worms at Work, a winning idea that’s transforming food scraps into nutrient-rich compost through specially designed community benches. Hundreds of worms across three benches are already getting to work, showing how even small, local actions can help build a more regenerative and resilient city.

At the launch, you will:

hear from City of Melbourne Councillor Andrew Rowse on how this pilot supports Melbourne’s innovation and sustainability goals
see the benches in action and check out the live dashboard powered by sensors
meet the innovators behind the idea, Zoe Wang (Upsoil Collective) and Michael Mobbs (The Off Grid Guy)
get to know the collaborators, the organisations, and the community groups that made this project possible.

Format:

Time	Activity
5:00 – 5:15 pm	Guest arrival, refreshments served
5:15 – 5:30 pm	Welcome and speeches
5:30 – 6:15 pm	Bench demonstration. Showcase of supporting organisations and groups.
6:15 – 6:45 pm	Guided walk to St Ali Coffee Roasters for second bench viewing.
6:45 – 7:00 pm	Networking and closing.

Come along to connect, be inspired and discover how worms are helping the City of Melbourne reimagine food waste, one bench at a time.

Contacts and details

Learn more about the Worms at Work pilot and follow the project’s progress at Participate Melbourne – Worms at Work. Click “Follow” on the Participate Melbourne page to stay up to date with pilot events, outcomes, and opportunities to get involved.

Any questions about this event? Please contact smart.cities@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Supporting organisations and groups

Upsoil Collective – Zoe Wang
The Off-Grid Guy – Michael Mobbs
Mr Fox in a Box
Polynova
Susuro Urban Winery
St Ali Coffee Roasters
Local Community Compost Alliance (Australia)
Kensington Composting Hub
Eighteen Pence Lane Café
Yarra’s Edge Resident Pilot Champions

Contact the host of Worms at Work: Launch Event