Bass Coast Shire Council has been recognised on the national stage, taking home the Economic Development Sustainable Initiatives Award at the 2025 National Economic Development Awards for Excellence for its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program.
Hosted by Economic Development Australia (EDA) at the National Economic Development Conference in Newcastle, the awards celebrate organisations driving innovation and creativity to make communities stronger, more sustainable and more resilient. The award was highly contested, with Bass Coast taking the win over other finalists including the City of Greater Geelong and the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA).
Supported by Sustainability Victoria through the Circular Economy Innovation Fund, the Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, developed by the Business Support team at Bass Coast Shire Council, ran from August to December 2024 and was delivered in partnership with circular economy specialists Coreo.
It brought together 12 local businesses from across Bass Coast - representing sectors like hospitality, tourism, construction, creative arts and agriculture - to explore how rethinking waste and resources could create new opportunities.
If you haven't heard the term before, the circular economy is a new way of thinking about how we make, use and reuse things. Instead of the traditional take, make, waste model, a circular economy focuses on eliminating waste, keeping materials in use for as long as possible, and regenerating natural systems.
Research shows transitioning to a circular economy could unlock $1.9 trillion in economic benefits across Australia over the next 15 years and create up to 3 times more jobs through reuse, repair and remanufacturing.
For local businesses, that can mean finding new revenue streams, reducing costs, and strengthening connections with customers who care about sustainability.
Over 4 months, participating businesses took part in workshops, one-on-one coaching and check-ins to identify where circular practices could fit into their daily operations and help build their own circular economy action plans.
One great example is Genesta House, a boutique accommodation in Cowes that created the 4-Minute Shower Song List, a fun, music-inspired reminder encouraging guests to limit shower time while enjoying a memorable, positive experience. It's a clever, memorable way to promote water conservation while adding a bit of fun to a daily routine.
Other participants included Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL), which continues to rescue food and upcycle textiles, diverting over 54 tonnes of waste each year, and San Remo Fisherman's Co-op and Wildlife Coast Cruises, who are leading by example in sustainable seafood and eco-tourism.
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead congratulated Council's Business Support Team and the local business community on this national recognition:
"This award is a fantastic achievement for Bass Coast and the creativity and leadership of our local businesses. The program reflects the growing commitment across our community to operate more sustainably and embrace circular economy principles.. I am proud of our team helping businesses turn that ambition into action, connecting them with opportunities and support to make real change."
This week, 10 -16 November 2025 marks National Recycling Week, and it's the perfect time to reflect on how we can all play our part, as consumers, households or business owners.
Bass Coast continues to lead the way in recycling, with our community diverting 70.1% of it's kerbside collection waste from landfill in 2025-25.
If you're a business or a consumer looking to improve your sustainability, take a look at the case studies from the Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program on our website: http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/cebap
