Over five years local change agent and impact organisation Go Circular has helped government, community and business redesign systems, reduce waste and build capacity for circular practices across the region.
Go Circular Chair, Matt Taylor said the achievement of five years in action demonstrates the outcomes possible through collaboration and practical application.
“We have a simple but impactful mission – to make the circular economy real, practical and achievable for everyone. We wanted to show that circularity isn’t just an environmental ideal, it’s good business, positive for the community and ultimately creates a more sustainable future,” Matt said.
“Five years later, that belief has only grown stronger and we are seeing some really great projects come to life across the Hunter region that reduce environmental impact.”
Over the five-year period, Go Circular’s reported outcomes including co-designing the Hunter Region City Scan tool with Hunter Joint Organisation, Lake Macquarie City Council and the University of Newcastle, mapping resource flows to identify circular opportunities across the region.
It also worked in partnership with Hunter Joint Organisation through the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s Bin Trim Networks Program to deliver the Hunter Hospitality Circularity Network, supporting cafés, restaurants and venues to reduce food waste, cut single-use packaging and rework supply chains.
Focused on educating and supporting the Hunter community and businesses to navigate being more environmentally friendly, Founder and CEO, Annie Jiang said the Hunter business community had moved from intent to action over the period.
Annie said progress had been made through practical steps across sectors.
“From composting coffee grounds, reusing materials, cutting down on landfill waste and finding creative ways to keep resources in use for longer each small step adds up to something bigger. It’s creating a more resilient, efficient and sustainable regional economy.
“To us, circularity isn’t just about waste – it’s about redesigning systems so that nothing of value is lost. It’s about creating smarter, fairer, low-carbon communities that regenerate rather than deplete.”
Annie said the next phase would centre on scaling circular practice.
“We’re now focusing on scaling circular practices across key sectors like manufacturing, food and tourism. We’re building new partnerships, sharing success stories, and helping even more organisations take their first steps into circular thinking,” Annie said.
“We wouldn’t be here without the incredible people who’ve supported, collaborated and believed in us over the past five years.”
IMAGE | Go Circular Founder and CEO, Annie Jiang and Chair, Matt Taylor.
