Building Circular Economies: Innovation, Technology and Regional Leadership

Discover how Australian regions are leading the way in transforming waste into economic assets, creating new industries, and building stronger, more resilient communities.

Australia is entering a new era of circularity, where waste, materials, and resources are increasingly recognised as economic assets that can strengthen regional economies, build resilience, and support the transition to net zero.

Facilitated by RAI CEO, Liz Ritchie, this panel brings together two national leaders shaping this future from complementary perspectives.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla is a global pioneer in materials science and the creator of breakthrough technologies such as micro-factories and Green Steel, demonstrating how innovation and advanced manufacturing can unlock value from waste. Andrew Taylor leads the Regional Circularity Cooperative in the Bega Valley and is driving one of Australia’s most advanced place-based circular economy ecosystems through the National Circularity Centre.

Drawing on findings from the Regional Australia Institute’s Circular Economy in Action Regional Perspectives report, the discussion will highlight how regional communities across Australia are beginning to implement circular economy principles, the critical role of local leadership and collaboration, and the unique opportunities and challenges regions face, including infrastructure constraints, scale, and regulatory alignment. The panel will explore how science, technology, partnerships, and community-led approaches can work together to move beyond waste management towards system-wide change.

The conversation will focus on practical pathways for regional communities, opportunities for decentralised and localised manufacturing, the role of innovation in addressing regional waste challenges, and how circular economy activity can drive new industries, jobs, and long-term economic resilience across regional Australia.

Meet the Speakers

Facilitator: Liz Ritchie

Chief Executive Officer
The Regional Australia Institute

Liz’s primary purpose at the RAI is to make a difference through providing leadership, engagement, information and connectivity. Heralding from country NSW, she understands the issues impacting regional Australia and has designed and executed programs across Australia to engage in economic and social issues affecting our regions.

Veena Sahajwalla

Scientia Professor
Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology,
The University of New South Wales

A globally recognised innovator in sustainable materials science, Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO is renowned for her Green Steel™ Polymer Injection Technologies and MICROfactorie™ solutions, which transform complex waste into valuable new products. Her pioneering work has earned her the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year and numerous national and international awards. Veena’s vision is reshaping how Australia thinks about waste, manufacturing, and circular economy opportunities.

Andrew Taylor

Chief Executive Officer
The Regional Circularity Cooperative

Andrew Taylor leads the Regional Circularity Cooperative in the Bega Valley, where he is building one of Australia’s most advanced place-based circular economy ecosystems through the National Circularity Centre. With over 20 years’ experience in land management and community development, Andrew’s work focuses on practical implementation, regional collaboration, and creating new opportunities for local business and industry through circularity.

Why Attend?

Australia is entering a new era of circularity, where waste, materials, and resources are reimagined as valuable economic assets. This event will explore practical steps for regional communities, the rise of decentralised and localised manufacturing, and the pivotal role of technology in tackling waste challenges. Learn how circularity can spark new industries and jobs across regional Australia, and how partnerships can accelerate this transformation.

What to Expect

• Expert Insights: Hear from national leaders who are shaping Australia’s circular economy future from the ground up.
• Real-World Solutions: Explore practical steps and proven models for regional communities.
• Innovation in Action: See how science, technology, and local leadership are driving change.
• Interactive Q&A: Bring your questions and join the conversation.

Event Details

Date: 12 February
Time: 10:00am (AEDT)
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online Webinar
Cost: Free
Audience: Open to all interested in regional innovation, sustainability, and economic development

Register Now

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of regional Australia. Reserve your spot and join national leaders, innovators, and community champions as we build a more sustainable, prosperous future together.

This webinar is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.