Circular Advantage – a program for our times.Circular Advantage is a strategic business program for our times that facilitates the move to a circular economy for local businesses. The seed of an idea was initially planted through discussions with business networks engaged in sustainability conversations at Kingston Council’s Business Sustainability Network and Hume Council’s Business Efficiency Network.The Circular Advantage program has provided business leaders with a non-competitive space to learn, share knowledge, and initiate change in their operational practices. To remain competitive today, a circular economy must feature in their strategy. The program has been designed to help businesses examine the way they operate through a strategic lens - their supply chains, manufacturing and production processes, use of resources: materials, energy, water, waste and their workforce.

My role includes developing partnerships between the Kingston Business Community and other organizations to:• provide a first point of contact for business support and information • link business owners with relevant government programs and assistance that may benefit their business•facilitate networks and clusters which encourage regional business opportunities and collaboration between local manufacturers• offer seminars and workshops aimed at increasing business skills• raise awareness of business sustainability initiatives

ASPIRE has now transitioned from CSIRO to ASPIRE Pty Ltd and provides a broader service for business users looking to reduce waste management costs and source recycled resource materials.

Business mentoring program - joint initiative run by Glen Eira & Kingston Councils.