What's going on in Central Victoria? 

Getting involved with other likeminded businesses is one of the best ways to learn more and stay motivated. Central Victoria has a lot on offer... check out the links below for more information.

Events diary

Bookmark this page – it’s regularly updated.

2008

14-16 February
           Eco EDGE 2 Conference  

The EcoEDGE 2 conference will engage the world’s leading sustainability experts in tackling the economic, aesthetic and ethical dimensions in making sustainable cities. Topics include green urban design; green urban energy systems; green housing; and green government.
Presentations and exhibitions showcasing the latest in solar and wind technology, energy efficient homes, boienergy, electric cars and much more.

Where: Federation Square, Melbourne
When: Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 February 2008
Full details: City of Melbourne website

 Local initiatives

Australian Industry Group (AiG) - Resource Efficiency
Provide a range of initiatives to help businesses to address their environmental and energy needs. A resource efficiency adviser is also available for on-site assistance to the manufacturing industry employing less than 200 staff. For more information on the resource efficiency program click here (pdf reader required).

Birchip Cropping Group
A farmer organisation focused on improving the viability of farming communities in the Wimmera and Mallee regions.

Business & Industry Environmental Network (BIEN)
Holds bimonthly networking events, where business, industry and service providers come together to support implementation of resource efficiency initiatives. 
Learn about what you can do in your business to save resources and money. initiatives. For more information about BIEN click here (pdf reader required).

Carbon Innovators Network 
EPA Victoria has been approached by a number of businesses for support and advice on climate change. In response, EPA has established the Carbon Innovators Network – a network for business leaders and climate change experts. EPA will help organisations strategically and practically address their carbon emissions, and in doing so transform climate change from a business cost to a business opportunity. We want to stimulate debate and innovation in carbon management and provide the support and tools businesses require to develop appropriate carbon management strategies..

Castlemaine 500
Castlemaine has been chosen as the location for an exciting pilot study, assisting households to reduce their home energy use by 15-30%. Businesses, community groups and individuals are encouraged to take part in the wide range of programs and activities happening around Castlemaine.

Central Victorian Business Network
Have sponsored business briefings that provide businesses with information on sustainability programs and initiatives.

Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) 
The overall goal of the CVGA is to ensure that our region plays its part in the global task of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enabling economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. Members include shire councils and corporate companies, organisations and institutions.

City of Greater Bendigo - Business Development
For assistance in finding the right resources for your organisation. Contact:
John Pollock
Resource Management & Climate Change Officer
Ph: (03) 5434 6226
Email: j.pollock@bendigo.vic.gov.au

FEO - Future Employment Opportunities
FEO have initiated a number of projects supporting sustainable business and living, including the Eaglehawk Recycle Shop in the Eaglehawk Enterprise (drop off and sales of second hand items and materials) and Enhance It, a program for reusing redundant computers. For details on these projects look under the GreenYourBusiness directory, or go to FEO's website (link above). 

Green Plumbers
GreenPlumbers® is an innovative initiative developed by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA).

Grow Me the Money 
Grow Me the Money is a free program for Victorian businesses interested in environmental sustainability. It is a collaboration between business, government, universities and environmental management experts to help all Victorian businesses take important steps towards eco-friendly ways of doing business, which can also save money

RACV Energy Breakthrough Event
The RACV Energy Breakthrough provides opportunities for students, teachers, parents and local industry to work together to design and construct a vehicle, a machine or innovation in technology that will represent an energy breakthrough.

Mt Alexander Sustainability Group
Working towards a thriving, creative and resilient community based on energy efficient systems and abundant renewable resources. Initial focus is on reducing our carbon emissions through improving energy efficiency and increasing the supply of renewable energy.

PepperGreen Farm
A community park for organic horticulture, environmental education and heritage awareness in Bendigo.

Regional Waste Management Groups (RWMG)
Each shire in North Central Victoria is serviced by a Waste Management Group, that can assist businesses in reducing and recycling their waste materials.

Calder RWMG
Contact: Address: Mobile:  Email:	Kerrie Tomkins, Project Manager                  PO Box 303, Woodend VIC 3442 0419 106 461 kerriea@chariot.net.au

Campaspe RWMG
Contact: Address: Mobile:  Email:	Brad Montgomery, Regional Education Officer    Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton VIC 3632 0427 286 442 brad.montgomery@bigpond.com

Highlands RWMG - covering Central Goldfields Shire
Contact: Address: Phone: Mobile:  Email:	Rosemary J Angus (Manager, Waste Wise Program) P.O. Box 1067, Bakery Hill, Ballarat VIC 3351 (03) 5333 7770 0408 428 855 rosemary@issltd.com.au

Central Murray RWMG
Contact: Address: Phone: Mobile:  Email:	Donna Wardlaw, Regional Education Officer              PO Box 94, Charlton VIC 3525 (03) 5465 3102 0427 557 694 education@cmrwmg.com.au

 
Sustainable Energy Information Partnership (North Central)
A partnership between Bendigo Access Employment and Sustainability Victoria to provide individuals, households and businesses with information on the sustainable use of energy, water and resources.

VECCI - Grow Me the Money®  Program
Resource efficiency through the VECCI/EPA Grow Me the Money®  Program. Although this is in the pilot stage which doesn't cover North Central Victoria, they are still keen to hear from interested businesses outside the pilot areas.