Innovation in Energy, Waste & the Circular Economy Conference Speakers

Antony Cullen-Ward, Regional Projects Coordinator at NetWaste

Learnings from the US - Texas Winter School 2025 - This presentation in relation to learnings from the US from attending the Solid Waste Management, Landfill & Landfill Mining Winter School. Running out of the University of Arlington Texas in January 2025, attendees were granted to a two week full immersion of all things waste and landfill including inspections of waste sites, bulk recovery, curb side systems, MRFs, and Dallas Fort Worth Airport food recovery program. The course is open to all nations with scholarships available, and gives a fantastic insight into the workings of global waste management and the North American waste and resource recovery system.

Ed Maher, Sustainability Facilities Manager at Charles Sturt University

Campus Electrification: A Path for Decarbonising - Stationary energy sources are a major contributor to the overall carbon footprint of most organisations that occupy significant building space. Decarbonisation of electricity sources is progressing rapidly and offers tested and reliable technology options. The journey of transitioning fossil-fuel based gas to renewable alternatives remains in its relatively early stages and presents a number of commercial and technical challenges that need to be resolved. Charles Sturt University has concluded that electrification of its campuses offers the most certain path for eliminating carbon emissions associated with its stationary energy needs but this too presents its own challenges. This session will focus on the findings from electrification studies completed at Charles Sturt’s Bathurst and Wagga Wagga campus and lessons learnt from applying a no new gas approach in recent years.

Esther Landells, LGNSW

From Insight to Impact: A review of Australian waste managers perspectives on effective household food waste interventions - This PhD research examined insights gained from Australian waste managers, highlighting the value of a “whole of council” approach to support effective “whole of community” FOGO engagement. Successful programs aligned council staff, engaged strong communicators, and connected with shared community concerns and values, including health, environment, and cost of living. Early engagement, social media, and trial phases improved community trust. Participants noted policy pressures, financial concerns, staffing issues, infrastructure and logistical challenges. However, consistent and continued engagement of councillors and staff (especially customer services), along with visible follow-through on FOGO procurement, proved useful to enabling coordinated, sustainable community-wide behaviour change.

Dr Hadi Vandchali, ESG and Procurement Services Consultant at Local Government Procurement (LGP)

Procurement Power: Driving Circular Economy and Market Innovation - This presentation explores the power of procurement as a strategic enabler of circular economy outcomes in local government by shifting from traditional, risk-averse practices to more innovative, outcomes-focused approaches. It highlights practical ways councils can enable experimentation, engage suppliers early, and integrate circular thinking across the procurement lifecycle. The session will also share insights from recent innovations in circular procurement led by Local Government Procurement (LGP), offering a council-focused perspective on enabling systems change. Attendees will leave with tangible ideas on how to embed circular economy principles into planning, tendering, and contract management processes.

Linda Tohver, Education Coordinator at NE Waste

Transitioning to reusables in regional NSW, where there's appetite one plate at a time - This presentation will highlight the range of issues with event take-away food and drink packaging, and how the NE Waste region is working towards implementing reusable cups and dishes. Take-away food packaging at events and markets, which is mainly single use, is deeply rooted in the linear economy - it's cheap, easy to dispose of and convenient for vendors and consumers. Despite efforts to decrease this problematic packaging, there remains a reliance on it in the take-away food sector. Plastic has been replaced with fibre based packaging, which cannot be recycled or composted. It is often labelled as compostable, misleading business and community to believe it is environmentally preferable, and 'brown-washing' consumers to think that these items will compost in landfill.

James Waite - Greater Hume Shire Council, Rebecca Randall - Halve Waste

Transition to FOGO and Roll-out - An overview of the FOGO roll-out for Greater Hume Council. Outlining the good and the bad as well as highlighting the important information for councils going forward with this process. Greater Hume Council rolled out FOGO in July 2024 going from a two bin system to a three bin system. This presentation will highlight the important factors for assisting Councils to a smooth transition.

Darren Nelson, Calibre Metals

Recycling Australia’s Lithium-ion Batteries - Darren, a Chemical Engineer, has over 30 years’ experience in the metals processing industry, both here in Australia and in Europe. For the last 18 years Darren has specialised in battery recycling, managing the recycling operations of Australian Refined Alloys, in Sydney and in Melbourne, then General Manager of Australia’s largest battery recycler, Enirgi Power Storage Recycling. In 2022 Darren built and commissioned the Nexus Battery Recycling business, the first and only battery recycler in Perth, Western Australia. Darren has played an integral part in diverting over 1,000,000 tonnes of batteries from Australian landfills. Which equates to approximately 60,000,000 individual batteries being recycled. As of 2024, Darren is in the processing of developing and building Australia's first dedicated Lithium Battery Recycling plant.

James Dorney, TOMRA Cleanaway - Keynote Speaker

James Dorney joined TOMRA Cleanaway as CEO in 2018 and has been involved in the management and operation of Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)/Container Refund Schemes (CRS) in Australia since then. TOMRA Cleanaway is a Joint Venture between TOMRA and Cleanaway and is the largest Network Operator of CDS/CRS in Australia operating in Tasmania, NSW, and Victoria (Western Zone). With a background in logistics, supply chain and infrastructure, James brings extensive executive and managerial expertise and experience to this role. Prior to joining TOMRA Cleanaway, James served as CEO of Autocare Services and prior to this role was Group General Manager of Patrick Port Logistics. At TOMRA Cleanaway, James is responsible for overseeing all facets of the business and operations. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach, delivering convenient and accessible recycling solutions through a growing network of CDS/CRS operations across Australia. James has an Economics Degree and a Law Degree from the University of Sydney and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and is a Member of the AICD.

Mike Ritchie, MRA Consulting

With 35 years experience in environmental policy and business, Mike is a past National Vice President and NSW President of the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia, Chair of the Carbon Division and Director of Environment Business Australia. He has previously been General Manager of SUEZ, VISY and WSN and Sessional Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Mick Fullelove, LGI

With a Degree in Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma in Management, Mick’s 40+ years of scientific and management experience covers industries as diverse as the water, environment & contracts sections within Local Authorities as well as the Queensland Underground Coal Mining Industry. In addition he works internationally with the German Hydro-Electricity Industry.
In his role at LGI, Mick combines his scientific knowledge and contracts acumen to assist Councils’ sections such as waste management, finance and sustainability to jointly and pragmatically address the global imperative for good environmental management

Craig Bagnall, SEATA Group

Craig is an environmental engineer with 30 years of experience in mining, energy and waste management. He leads environmental approvals for SEATA Group who have developed a new advanced technology to convert carbon-based/organic wastes into valuable solid and gas products at commercial and industrial scales. These include circular carbons used in a wide range of agricultural and industrial applications, and a high-energy syngas to displace fossil gas either directly for energy or for making derivatives such as renewable low carbon fuels and carbon-negative hydrogen. The technology was developed in regional NSW (Hunter and New England), and SEATA's fully approved field pilot facility located in Glen Innes was recently hot commissioned. The local council is commencing trials and exploring the potential community benefits of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for commercial scale deployment.

Craig is also the founding director of Catalyst Environmental Management, a consultancy assisting regulatory approvals and engagement, GIS/data management and reporting, and specialist advice in water and carbon management. Catalyst recently led a training program for circular carbon for EPA Victoria, and a market assessment for biosolids-derived biochars for a major water utility.

Craig is a board member of the Australian and New Zealand Biochar Industry Group (ANZBIG), assisting development of the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap, the industry Code of Practice and is currently co-authoring a new Australian Standard for biochar and biocarbon. He has led policy and regulatory submissions to state and federal governments including Energy from Waste Policies, End of Waste Codes and carbon crediting methodologies.

Craig has two young children who provide constant inspiration to act rapidly on climate change.

Richard Johnston, AGL Energy

Richard Johnston is AGL's Microgrid Origination specialist, bringing over a decade of experience working with energy users across Australia. As a data-driven business developer and consultant, Richard has established himself as a leading authority in microgrid development and renewable energy solutions.

Richard specializes in identifying, developing, and implementing microgrid solutions for industrial and commercial customers. His expertise spans negotiation, business planning, management, and renewable energy integration, making him uniquely positioned to guide AGL's customers through complex energy challenges.

Richard's approach combines deep technical knowledge with practical business acumen, enabling him to develop tailored microgrid solutions that address the critical issues of power availability, reliability, and affordability. He has successfully worked across diverse sectors, helping businesses transition from grid-dependent operations to resilient, future-proofed energy systems that incorporate solar, battery storage, and backup generation.

Michelle Wilkinson, Albury City Council

Michelle has been working in the sustainability and resource recovery sector for over 17 years on projects such as the introduction of the 3-bin system across the Albury Wodonga region, leading the Halve Waste program to now support 18 councils in regional NSW and Victoria and recently undertaking a new role as Resource Recovery Team Leader at Albury City as a secondment opportunity. Michelle led the region's participating in the soft plastics recycling pilot as the Halve Waste program coordinator.

Dan Wigmore, NSW Government

Dan is the Engagement Officer for the Transport Electrification team (formerly Net Zero Transport) which looks after Electric Vehicle programs for NSW Government. Dan’s aim is to ensure audiences are aware of, and have access to, the programs, grants and resources NSW Government is developing to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles. For the past two decades Dan has been working in the media but a passion for EVs lead to a change in career. He is delighted to be playing a part in striving towards a net zero future.

Daniel Adler, NSW Local Government

Daniel is a passionate advocate for asbestos safety in the community though his role in assisting councils to improve asbestos management and regulation. Daniel assists councils with asbestos safety in the areas of educating residents, managing land, managing waste, councils’ regulatory responsibilities, and the provision of workplaces safe from asbestos. Daniel has founded the NSW Councils Asbestos Network hosted by LGNSW which meets monthly and is a regular forum for consultation between councils’ government for all things asbestos. Daniel has also led the development of a host of resources for councils on asbestos, as well as assisting government in the development of the asbestos blueprint, asbestos.nsw.gov.au, and the asbestos safety and awareness e-learning course. Daniel has also led the development and implementation of e-learning for councils on asbestos as well as the award-winning course Asbestos Related Work for Local Government.

Matthew Muller, Charles Sturt University / Cool Soil Initiative

Matthew is the Director of the Cool Soil Initiative and Sustainability in Agriculture at Charles Sturt University’s AgriPark, based in Wagga Wagga. His portfolio is centred on innovation and collaboration with industry to support Australian farmers’ participation in the lower-carbon economy and promote climate-smart practices across domestic and global supply chains.

An experienced leader in sustainability and regional development, Matthew brings 30 years of cross-sector experience spanning agriculture, banking and finance, renewable energy, clean technology and education in local and international markets.

Before joining Charles Sturt University, Matthew was Chief Customer & Marketing Officer at LAVO, designing and manufacturing renewable hydrogen energy storage solutions for residential and commercial use. Successfully positioning the world-first technology to win multiple Australian good Design Awards in 2021 and international iF Design and Red Dot Product awards in 2022. As Director of Strategy and Marketing at Providence Climate Capital, Matthew funded over 68MW in regional renewable infrastructure projects, and developed commercial and consumer-based hydrogen products in conjunction with UTS and UNSW.

As CEO of the Davidson Institute, Westpac’s financial education division, he led the delivery of educational programs to more than 1.2 million Australian businesses and households. In leading the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Regional and Agribusiness strategy & operations, Matthew pioneered initiatives in carbon solutions, grain inventory finance, and was instrumental in the development of their Agribusiness Graduate Program and the $20m Agri-Small Business hub “AgriLine” here in Wagga Wagga.

Courtney Williams, Talis Consultants

Courtney Williams is a Senior Waste Consultant with Talis. She has over 17 years of waste management experience in local government and consultancy. Her experience spans the areas of approvals, strategy development, waste contract preparation, compliance and infrastructure. She was the Project Lead for the recently completed Feasibility Study into a Circular Economy Hub project for Blue Mountains City Council and has provided support on other circular economy projects including the Northern Beaches Council Options and Feasibility Study: Reuse and Repair Hub and the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation’s Circular Economy Centre of Excellence projects.

Rob Hogan, NSW Environment Protection Authority

Rob Hogan has significant government policy, program, and compliance experience gained during more than 25 years with the NSW EPA, along with stints in the NSW Cabinet Office and Water NSW. He’s led teams and issues across waste compliance, water and waste policy, PFAS response, asbestos management, and contaminated land areas. He is currently A/ Director Strategy and Policy at the NSW EPA, and holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from UNSW.

Alexander Wotton, NSW Environment Protection Authority

Alex has a diverse scientific background, completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in marine biology and mathematics before completing a PhD in renewable energy engineering. Today, he leads the NSW EPA’s plastics technical remit, providing advice, participating in standards committees and managing internal and external plastics research projects.

Ingrid Errington, NSW Environment Protection Authority

Ingrid has two decades of experience as an environmental professional, with a PhD in the ecological impacts of contaminated land remediation and a more recent interest in improving how we manage our waste and resources. Ingrid leads the development and delivery of the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s Landfill Emissions Abatement Program (LEAP).

Alex Smeeth, S-Rack Australia

I spent 6 years working for Wagga Wagga based solar installation company Solar Professionals as an Energy Consultant, moving up to National Business Relationship Manager working on projects ranging from residential solar to large commercial and government renewable projects. I've since joined S-Rack Australia as Technical Sales Manager where I oversee our distributor network and C&I projects in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. I'm extremely passionate about renewable energy, particularly in Wagga Wagga and The Riverina where I reside with my wife and daughter.

Simon Wallace-Pannell, NSW Sustainable Councils

Simon Wallace-Pannell manages the Sustainable Councils program at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. With nearly 20 years’ experience in sustainability across all levels of government, he has delivered programs for business, councils, and communities. His past work includes the Cities for Climate Protection program (2006–07), leading the award-winning Business Treading Lightly initiative ($2m grant-funded, 2008–10), and ongoing program design and delivery in the NSW Government.

Simon is passionate about creating fit-for-purpose, customer-focused, and place-based government programs. He’s particularly interested in behavioural economics, rapid prototyping, and design thinking—and is currently focused on supporting smaller regional councils to build momentum and ambition through early wins.