Our circular economy team recently participated in an Upper Hunter Circular Economy Think Tank hosted at the new Hunter Innovation Precinct in Muswellbrook.
This event was held as part of a Department of Education funded program run by Go Circular to bring together science students from high schools in the Upper Hunter and experts in the field of circular economy from across the region.
The event aimed to provide an overview of activities in the circular economy in the Hunter and explore opportunities to innovate with the students. The event’s objectives were:
- Engage students in practical activities to help them understand the circular economy
- Direct students toward practical local job and career opportunities within the circular economy
- Allow representatives from local industry to describe the practical skills and knowledge needed for jobs in the circular economy
- Foster connections and engagement between (a) employers and industry experts and (b) participating schools, students and their families
- Create a shared understanding of the benefits of a true Circular Economy
Students worked together in groups with industry leaders, facilitators, and teachers to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.
The Hunter JO’s Director of Programs, Tim Askew, and Program Lead – Circular Economy, Eloise Lobsey, presented on what the Hunter JO and wider Hunter Circular network is doing in this space and how others can get involved.
It was a productive day with great engagement and participation from over 40 participants!
Other speakers on the day included:
- Walter Mansfield, Senior Project Officer – Regional Industry Education Partnerships, Department of Education
- Tim Shaw, Manager – Infrastructure Services, AGL Energy
- Enrique Reyes, CEO, ARC ENTRO TECH LTD
- Peter Lewis, Professor of Molecular Biology, Ethtec Biorefinery
- Joann Polsen, Manager – Waste Operations, Muswellbrook Shire Council
- Tim de Grauw, Course Coordinator – Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering, TAFE NSW
- Heather Kember, Research Operations Manager – Institute for Regional Futures, UoN
