Competition winners:

The day will feature a diverse range of activities and experiences for all ages, including:

• Community Arts Station: Creative workshops and interactive children’s activities outside the arts space, encouraging imagination and environmental awareness through art.
• Community Garden Hub: Hands-on demonstrations, showcasing practical skills for sustainable gardening and local food production.
• Repair Café: Bring along items you've been wanting to have repaired or get some advice and bring it along to the next one.
• Live Music: Performances by local musicians.
• Community & Local Stallholders: Explore stalls offering eco-friendly products, handmade crafts, and sustainable initiatives from businesses and community groups.
• Food Trucks: Enjoy a variety of delicious food options.
• Emergency Services Engagement: Meet members of the CFA and SES and take part in activities.
• Special Guest Appearance: Craig Reucassell, well-known ABC presenter and sustainability advocate, will join as our celebrity presenter to share insights and inspire action.

This festival is a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate sustainability in a fun and interactive way. Bring your family, friends, and curiosity for a day full of fun, connection and practical solutions for a greener future.

Main Stage Highlights

Start your day with live music from talented local young musicians setting a relaxed, welcoming vibe for the festival. At 11:10am, Bunurong Land Council will deliver a Welcome to Country, followed by opening remarks from Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead, who will share the purpose, story and sustainability journey of our region — a perfect introduction for locals and visitors enjoying the long weekend. Our headline guest, ABC presenter Craig Reucassel, will then take to the stage for an engaging presentation and Q&A, before more live performances continue throughout the afternoon, including musicians from Newhaven College.

Presentations
Head to the marquees for a series of informative and practical presentations throughout the day. At 10am, Phillip Island Nature Parks will explore how we can help protect native wildlife. At 12:15pm, Bass Coast Landcare Network will present on Rabbit Control and Biolinks — a timely topic that has sparked strong community interest in recent months. At 1pm, Council will share a sneak peek of key insights from the Climate Change Action Plan mid-term review, followed by Phillip Island Land Alliance at 1:45pm, presenting on Biolinks on Phillip Island and the importance of habitat connections.

Activities
There’s plenty to see, do and explore across the festival. Wander through the beautiful PICAL Community Garden for a guided tour or simply find a quiet spot to relax and recharge. Animal lovers can meet Animals of Oz and get up close to fascinating Australian wildlife, including frogs, snakes and even a crocodile. Feeling creative? Paint your own piece with Clay & Co or contribute to the LIVE community art installation by local artist Ellen Taylor, currently also on exhibition at Berninneit until 22 March —a hands-on way to be part of the festival spirit.

Getting There & Event Info
Entry to the Sustainability Festival is FREE, and signage will help guide you when you arrive. Parking is available at Cowes Primary School with pedestrian access via Settlement Road, or at Blue Gum Reserve via Dunsmore Road. Accessible parking is available at the PICAL Community Garden, with an additional accessible drop-off zone at the event site via Settlement Road. Our Waste Services Team will be on hand to help you sort your waste correctly (it wouldn’t be a sustainability festival without them!). Westernport Water will also host a hydration station, so bring your refillable water bottle and top up throughout the day. Toilets and First Aid will be available on site — please check the event map when you arrive.