Bendigo Sustainability Festival 2025 – Community Organisations
Explore information about our community organisation stallholders.
Encompassing various conservation, health, social groups, and others dedicated to forging a sustainable future, you’re sure to find a wealth of information.
Community Organisations
HalfCut are a grassroots organisation on a mission to save the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, while supporting the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bama people, its Traditional Owners.
Founded by Jimmy and Jess in 2019, HalfCut began with a bold challenge: encouraging people to shave, cut, or colour half their hair (or beard!) to raise awareness that half the world's forests had already been destroyed.
Today, HalfCut is a movement driving real impact through community-led programs to restore ecosystems, empower Indigenous communities, and protect the Daintree Rainforest—one of the world's most vital biodiversity hotspots.
Together, we're not just saving rainforests; we're healing country and culture.
Foster caring is one of the most important and rewarding roles you can play in your community. MacKillop Family Services needs more foster carers in Bendigo and Central Victoria. Foster carers help children and young people who are temporarily unable to live with their birth family. Often these children have experienced trauma. Foster carers are trained, assessed and accredited before they start caring for a young person. This process involves several screening checks. We will walk by your side every step of the way. Sourcing local foster carers means that these young people can remain in their community - at their school, with their friends and in their sporting and other clubs. Foster carers come from all walks of life - families, singles, same-sex couples, full-time workers, retirees, students, all cultures and religions ... To find out more visit www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare or call 1300 791 677.
No Flies on Us - Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project
Queensland fruit fly poses a serious threat to the Goulburn Murray Valley region’s horticulture industry, along with domestic and international trade opportunities. We’re here to raise community awareness and increase knowledge of integrated management measures that are imperative in protecting the region, along with fruit fly control in your own home gardens. #itsacommunityeffort
FoodFilled is a Melbourne based food rescue charity dedicated to combating food wastage and alleviating hunger. Since its establishment in late 2018, FoodFilled has been a youth powered, innovative, sustainable solution to the intersecting crisis of food waste and food insecurity. We are driving sustainable innovation and community engagement through our unique, circular economy model, reducing waste, mitigating methane emissions, and maximising resource efficiency, while also empowering youth and inspiring collective action.
Bendigo health - Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit
The Bendigo Health's Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit (LMPHU) works to keep our regional community healthy, safe and well. We use local knowledge, community-based relationships and direct engagement to effectively tailor and deliver public health initiatives and respond to incidents and issues across the Loddon-Mallee region. We focus on health protection (control of infectious and non-communicable diseases and health threats), and prevention and population health (community resilience, health and wellbeing).
Our work involves summer safety (mosquitoes, heat, sun safety and water safety), healthy food systems and mental wellbeing, which has a climate change lens. Our other priority is climate change and health (centred on our Loddon Mallee Climate Change and Health Framework), which includes sustainability, social justice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination, and emergency management.
We engage the community in conversations to build capacity, form networks, raise awareness and share resources.
We protect and restore habitat on private land in Victoria. Forever.
For over 50 years, Trust for Nature has been protecting ecosystems and wildlife on private land in Victoria.
In Victoria, 62% of the land is privately owned, so working with private landholders is critical to secure the future of our unique ecosystems and species.
To date, we have protected more than 110,000 hectares of private land in Victoria.
Across our 40+ nature reserves, and 1500+ properties owned by individuals, our passionate team helps restore, preserve and improve habitats, engaging with local communities and Traditional Owners to share knowledge, restore cultural practices and generate greater outcomes for Victoria’s unique plant and animal species.
Together, we work to ensure nature can thrive for generations to come.
Sustainability Victoria is a statutory authority and delivery agency of the Victorian State Government. Our purpose is to accelerate Victoria’s transition to a circular, climate-resilient clean economy – contributing to achieving the Government’s targets for 2025 and 2030 as set out in the Recycling Victoria policy and the Climate Change Strategy.
Our ambition is to develop and deliver fit-for-purpose high impact solutions to challenges posed by our complex and rapidly changing environment.
We do this in partnership with our stakeholders in industry, business, entrepreneurs, research institutions, schools, households, individuals, community groups and governments within Victoria and across Australia.
Sustainability is a political issue. The Australian Greens are the only political party with an evidence-based climate, environment and social justice policy platform, unbeholden to vested interests and planet destroying corporate donors. Come along and see us at the Bendigo Sustainability Festival to discuss how powerful your vote can be in achieving the changes we need to create a clean, green renewable future inclusive of all.
Bendigo Foodshare is a community-owned, independent charity that has been delivering food relief to communities across Central Victoria since 2013.
With passionate committed volunteers at our heart, we’re working together with partners and community to connect people to healthy, affordable food by improving local supply and access, developing food skills and supporting a sustainable and healthy environment.
City of Greater Bendigo – Climate Change and Environment
Interactive displays, activities and information on biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, climate and sustainability in the Greater Bendigo region. Learn more about the local natural environment and meet some of the staff working towards improving sustainability.
Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise
Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise aim to give the people of our local area the power to make good ideas happen by directing money to projects, infrastructure and activities for the community.
Bendigo Branch Victorian Apiarists Association Inc.
About the Bendigo Branch VAA Inc:
The Bendigo Branch of the Victorian Apiarists' Association (BBVAA) continues its 40+ years commitment and development as an integral part of the Apiary Industry.
BBVAA membership includes both urban and rural beekeepers, with varying experience levels – ranging from prospective, recreational, small, and large commercial beekeepers.
BBVAA provides support, advice, and a forum for beekeepers to discuss issues, concerns or achievements, and where required problem solve in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Providing and promoting pollination services within the Bendigo Regional area and throughout the state. Without bees, food production would be severely limited.
We provide a warm, welcoming, inclusive environment for all beekeepers attending meetings and activities.
We aim to protect and enhance the local environment in the communities of White Hills, Epsom, Huntly and Bagshot, in a corridor linked by the Bendigo Creek and nestled between the Wellsford State Forest and Greater Bendigo National Park.
We may be small but we are smart, achieving amazing things by collaborating with local government, community groups, natural resource management agencies, business, local kinders and primary schools.
We are passionate about connecting people to nature and creative / open-minded about any activity that can contribute to conservation and build community.
Bendigo Community Health Services
Bendigo Community Health Services is a not-for-profit organisation working hand-in-hand with our community to achieve better health and wellbeing across generations.
With sites in central Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Eaglehawk, White Hills, North Bendigo, and Elmore, we care for everyone in our community—no matter who you are, where you live, or how much you earn. We have more than 270 staff and offer more than 50 services funded through various government health programs, community donations, and sponsorships.
Fifteen Trees can help reduce your carbon footprint by planting native trees on your behalf.
Trees are planted in Australia by community groups such as Landcare and sourced form local independent nurseries. Once planted, we send out links to our website page, where you can read about your trees (species, location, planting group) and see the photos.
We plant trees on the behalf of individuals and companies looking to live and work sustainability.
Wildlife Rescue & Information Network (WRIN)
Wildlife Rescue Information Network is a volunteer organisation that has been operating in Bendigo and surrounding areas for over 25 years. We provide assistance to sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife via our 24hr phone service and Facebook page.
We believe a sustainable future includes finding ways to live in harmony with our beautiful native creatures who face increasing challenges due to climate change, habitat destruction, urbanisation and vehicle collisions.
WRIN assists in achieving this goal by not only caring for wildlife impacted by these causes and others such as disease and domestic animal attacks but also advocating for them. This includes consulting with government departments to ensure wildlife are considered in the planning and implementation of new developments and canvassing for increased signage and speed reduction in areas where wildlife are impacted.
We are hopeful that creative solutions can continue to be sought and found to ensure our wildlife remains safe well into the future.
Australian Plants Society Bendigo
For 50 years our group has encouraged the appreciation and growing of Australian native plants in the home garden, public plantings, and in the bush. We hold lectures, discussions and workshops as well as excursions to both private homes and public gardens, as well as our wonderful bushland areas. Our Annual Flower Show showcases hundreds of different Aussies to grow in your garden for beauty and to attract wildlife including pollinators. We value all aspects of the environment and work to play our part in making the world a better place.
Cycling Without Age is a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation who take people, who are not able to ride for themselves, for free rides in a Trishaw. Our Bendigo Chapter was established in April 2024 and our aim is to promote inclusivity. We do this by allowing our older residents and people with a disability to interact with their community, getting them out and about on Trishaw rides so they can ‘Feel the wind in their hair’.
This program is known to be very beneficial to their mental and physical health and wellbeing. The benefits are also felt by the volunteer pilots who get a sense of contributing to their community and bringing joy to their passengers by providing an experience a little different from their everyday activities.
Friends of Riley Street Natural Reserve Landcare Group
Friends of Riley Street Natural Reserve Landcare group is made up of passionate volunteers who have been revegetating and restoring 16 hectares of land in East Bendigo. This land was once a wasteland caused by destructive activities such as mining, dumping rubbish and quarrying.
The 'friends' have managed to assist in the regeneration of plant species and to create the beginning of a wildlife corridor with other bushland reserves across the city. We have witnessed the return of fauna and flora to the reserve, particularly the birdlife. We work alongside the City of Greater Bendigo rangers and staff in a collaborative effort to create something very special in the urban area.
CWA is an organisation of women supporting women, children, and families across Victoria. We have a focus on friendship, personal development, and advocacy.
CWA Value past crafts and sustainable practices to create these items. We also encourage home-produced preserves and baking using seasonal products
Bendigo Field Naturalists Club
The Bendigo Field Naturalists Club aims to encourage the exchange of knowledge, to stimulate interest in naturalist activities and encourage the protection of the natural environment.
Mt Alexander Sustainability Group
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group (MASG) is working towards our Net Zero by 2030 vision, by taking direct action over many fronts - Waste Reduction, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Agriculture. We are the peak sustainability organisation for the Mount Alexander Shire, delivering education, research, advocacy, and endorsement for shire wide sustainability and clean energy initiatives. Established in 2006 by passionate and purposeful locals wanting coordinated action on climate change and sustainability, MASG continues to build upon these foundations, and work with community for a better, sustainable future together.
Central Victorian Bat Alliance
Central Victorian Bat Alliance is a not-for-profit volunteer community group based in Bendigo and reaching across Central Victoria. Regional sustainability underpins our purpose of enhancing biodiversity and conservation outcomes through advocacy, education and community awareness.
Ironbark Gully Friends Landcare Group
The vision of Ironbark Gully Friends is to create a healthy community in a healthy place. We hope an upsurge of enthusiasm will come from becoming part of a sharing connected community centred around Ironbark Gully, an ephemeral creek which was destroyed by goldmining and urban drainage infrastructure. Since 2013 our group has advocated for a shared walking and bike trail.
Meanwhile, we continue to revegetate sections of the gully by increasing indigenous plantings and developing biodiverse habitats to support local wildlife. There are many ways you can join our group's activities. We work with local schools and other community-based organisations in our goals to protect and improve the local environment.
Central Victoria ACF Community Group
Central Victoria ACF is an independent Community Group of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
We work to address local environmental issues, to protect wildlife habitat, and to help make Central Victoria a healthy and welcoming community.
We also support the ACF national objectives which include acting to limit global warming by switching to clean, renewable energy and to stop the digging up and burning of coal, oil and gas and to campaign to address the extinction crisis that threatens the web of life.
Our members want to be part of a team of people who are determined to act for and rebuild our environment, and preserve it for future generations. We do this by building alliances with other local advocacy for nature groups, jointly running forums and creating resources and providing information and education on issues, to the local community and our 500+ group mailing list.
Zonta Bendigo, a local arm of Zonta International, proudly stands as a local force contributing to global change. Aligned with Zonta International's "Zonta Says NOW" initiative, we address the intersection of gender inequality and climate change. We recognise that climate change poses a significant threat to women achieving their full potential, and that its disproportionate impact on women amplifies gender inequality worldwide. By integrating climate actions into our projects, advocating for women's representation, and emphasising global interconnectedness, we contribute to a more resilient, equitable and environmentally sustainable world.
We look forward to attending the Bendigo Sustainability Festival to share our Zonta Says Now initiative and conduct our annual raffle with all proceeds going directly towards our projects.
Medical Pantry redistributes essential supplies to underserved communities, protecting vulnerable populations and wildlife, while preventing significant waste.
Bendigo and District Environment Council; Victorian National Parks Association; Wellsford Forest Friends & Landcare
Catch the people and ideas that have been working for decades to protect and regenerate the Box and Ironbark forests around Bendigo. Have a yarn with us about what concerns you, and what delights you, in the Bendigo bush.
Open hands, hands up, helping hands and Old Hands. That’s us.
Also, the saying: we were born with two hands, one to help ourselves and one to help others.
U3A Bendigo believes we are eligible to participate in the sustainability festival because, our members are seniors and we apply ourselves to maintaining a better world by encouraging ongoing physical and cerebral activities, providing activities that promote social connections, recognising and utilizing skills and giving comfort where needed.
The Bendigo Share and Repair Shed is a community owned Circular Economy Hub. We fix, recycle, upcycle, repurpose, reuse and resell things to demonstrate how to keep them out of landfill. Check out our website for more info.
Our experienced volunteers also offer workshops, education and general information about recycling, upcycling and reusing.
Home of ‘the Bendigo Remakery’ - an upcycled clothing and gift shop, and the creation of maker spaces for textile and other remanufacturing.
Bendigo Climate alliance formed in 2021 to connect, support and promote community groups, organisations and businesses in Bendigo that are actively working to combat the climate emergency.
The Friends of the Whipstick is a landcare group focussed on protecting, promoting and enjoying the Whipstick Bush.
Commoners Co-op
Commoners Co-op is a freelance co-operative established to support community groups focussed on addressing climate change and building a commons approach.
North Central Catchment Management Authority
The North Central CMA will be highlighting the many ways people (especially youth) can engage with us. From hearing about Kai Humphries experience kayaking down Bendigo Creek or the benefits of being a young WaterWatch volunteer to speaking with inspiring young Landcarers making big things happen in their community and school or learning how young First Nations students can learn on the job with us and LOTS in between! Come along to learn more about our projects, our grant portal, opportunities for landowners and our successful River Detectives program.
Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens Inc.
We are the Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens Inc., a voluntary group operating under the auspices of the City of Greater Bendigo. Our activities include nursery propagation, garden work, botanical illustration, guided tours, fundraising for garden projects, providing community input to the development and implementation of the garden’s Master Plan, and promoting the gardens. We also produce a twice-yearly magazine, Dovyalis.
Epsom Primary School Green Magpies Sustainability Team
Thirty-five students – our 'Green Magpies' – who form the sustainability student agency team at Epsom Primary School. Three teachers – Sarah, Erin and Gill – empower students from Gr 3 -6 to plan, implement, deliver and embed projects across the school and wider community. Encouragement and role modelling is provided by these teachers for the older students to support the younger students with their sustainability learning and doing. There is also a parent/grandparent sustainability team named the ‘Green Gurruks’ (Indigenous approved for magpie) where staff, students and families work together.
Bendigo Region Women's Shed Inc.
The Bendigo Region Women’s Shed runs craft and woodwork activities. In both of these activities a mix recycled and new materials are used to make items.
Small planter boxes have been made from discarded pallets and off-cuts. Members have also been refurbishing their own furniture or making folding stools, bird boxes, and connect-4 games.
Craft items have been produced from beeswax and material or wool left over from other projects. Items include card holders, babies’ bibs, wheat bags, cup and saucer pin cushions and bees wax candles.
The group also pots up succulents and other plants that don’t require significant amounts of water and makes a variety of baked goods and preserves to sell and raise funds for a Shed for the women of Bendigo and to keep fees affordable for members.
How to contact to get involved:
Email our Secretary, Daniela at secretary.BRWSinc@gmail.com
Phone our Vice President, Sally on 0412 258 576
Lisa Chesters MP has become a well-known face around central Victoria after being elected as the Federal Member for Bendigo in September 2013. Lisa is the first woman to be elected as the Federal Member for Bendigo which is an electorate that has existed since Federation.
Lisa’s maiden speech to Parliament reflected on the successes of the Bendigo region. She also spoke of her experiences growing up as the daughter of migrant small business owners, and advocated for public health, education and workers’ rights.
Since being elected, Lisa has been particularly vocal on important local issues including:
Local jobs
A strong and reliable healthcare system
Upgrades to Central Victoria’s communication network, including the NBN.
Universal access to childcare and a well-funded education sector
Community inclusiveness and tolerance
A just transition to a cleaner and greener renewable energy based economy and community
Lisa lives in Bendigo with her partner Matt, daughter Daisy Jane and son Charlie Peter. Lisa loves central Victoria. She is often spotted exploring local towns, walking her dog Flash and buying her trademark double shot espressos. Lisa enjoys cooking, gardening and reading.
Distribution of key home and summer fire safety messages for adults and children. The opportunity to engage with and discuss any concerns in relation to safety.
Precious Plastic Monash is a multidisciplinary student initiative from Monash University, dedicated to combating plastic pollution through innovative recycling solutions. As a chapter of the global Precious Plastic movement, our mission encompasses education, community engagement, and sustainable design.
Our Contributions to Regional Sustainability:
Education and Community Engagement: We conduct workshops and demonstrations at schools and public events, to educate the community about plastic recycling processes and the importance of sustainability.
Innovative Recycling Solutions: Our team has developed a compact, transportable Integration Unit that combines multiple recycling machines. This design facilitates on-site demonstrations and empowers individuals to recycle plastic waste locally.
Sustainable Product Design: We transform recycled plastics into valuable products, showcasing the potential of waste materials and promoting a circular economy within our region.
Through these initiatives, Precious Plastic Monash actively contributes to reducing plastic waste and fostering a culture of sustainability in our community.
