Building Sustainable Communities: A Path to Net Zero

Sustainability Seminar

9:00am for a 9:30am start – 12:30pm | Thursday 6 November 2025
Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Hwy, Eastern Creek

Join us for this half-day seminar where we will explore essential topics such as planning for net zero, understanding climate related financial disclosures, community involvement in emission reduction, and effective strategies for public engagement in climate action.

This seminar aims to provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for local government officers to address climate change challenges, offering practical solutions and innovative approaches.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and gain valuable knowledge to advance your climate and sustainability initiatives.

After the seminar, we invite you to join us* for a delicious lunch and help to celebrate the achievements of councils, businesses, and community groups from across Greater Sydney at the 2025 Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards luncheon.

*additional ticket fee applies for the awards luncheon

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Click here to download the seminar flyer and program in PDF format

0900 Registration, tea and coffee
0930 Welcome and housekeeping Val Southam
CEO, KAB NSW
EMISSIONS MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING FOR COUNCILS
0935 Demystifying GHG accounting on the path to Net Zero Matt Sprague
Director Climate Advisory, South Pole		 This presentation will explore how accurate emissions data underpins credible climate action and builds trust with stakeholders, as well as where carbon credits fit into your net zero strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your reporting approach, this session offers practical insights to guide your efforts.
0950 Climate-related financial disclosures raises the temperature for environmental health Kevin Turner
Manager Environment, Blacktown City Council		 Blacktown City Council is proud to be one of the first local governments to voluntarily report in accordance with the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards for climate-related financial disclosures. This presentation discusses our path to achieving Climate Active carbon-neutral certification for our operations
1005 Decarbonisation in Action: Energy products helping deliver results for Councils Katie Wood
Strategic Partners Segment Lead, Origin Zero		 Discover how councils are tackling energy and decarbonisation challenges through practical initiatives. This session showcases real-world council case studies, exploring how energy products are being put into action, and highlights Origin’s current and emerging solutions designed to help councils reduce emissions and manage costs effectively.
1020 Questions and discussion
1040 Morning tea break
ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY
1100 How to get an ‘Enviro Pulse’ check of the community Dr Claudine Moutou
Team Leader Social Science, DCCEEW		 To help communities adapt to climate change, government policies and programs must be grounded in a clear understanding of what supports or hinders people in becoming more resilient. This presentation focuses on Enviro Pulse – a quarterly survey that captures NSW community’s wellbeing, concerns and behaviours.
1115 NSW Government EV Programs Update Dan Wigmore,
Engagement Officer- Transport Electrification, DCCEEW		 A look at the work the NSW Government’s EV team is doing to drive the transition to electric vehicles. With a focus on the key programs councils can participate in as well as success stories so far
1130 Local Voices, Global Goals: Building climate resilience through inclusive engagement Julie Redhi
Senior Coordinator Environmental Services, Blacktown City Council		 From Blacktown Big ideas to Baby Booktime, using storytelling, education and community led innovation to build pathways to net zero. This presentation will explore creative ways Blacktown Council use to connect community with sustainability challenges and bring them on the resilience journey.
1145 Power in Partnership: Building community energy, climate and financial resilience through cricket Joanne Bowen
CEO, Cricket for Climate		 Cricket is Australia’s national summer sport. It holds deep significance for 8 million Australians, some of which are the hardest to reach. Learn how Cricket for Climate is leading practical community solutions, futureproofing our sport and inspiring community members to get on board with solutions in their own lives.
1200 Questions and discussion
1220 Wrap Up
1230 End seminar – Awards lunch commences

THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 AWARDS AND EVENT SUPPORTERS

Awards Luncheon Sponsor

Origin Energy partners with large enterprises and councils to deliver tailored energy solutions that support operational efficiency and evolving sustainability objectives. Our Origin Zero team delivers integrated services, including renewable energy, battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure and energy management solutions designed to help organisations reduce emissions, lower costs, and achieve their sustainability goals.

Awards Event Co-Host

Blacktown City is the largest local government area by population in New South Wales and is home to an estimated 450,000 people with a predicted population of 540,000 people by 2041.

We are a vibrant city of diverse cultures. Around 1 in 63 Australians live in Blacktown City. Our residents come from 185 different birthplaces and speak 188 languages at home.

Blacktown City is a thriving city that is undergoing a major urban transformation. It is home to 33,000 registered businesses that help to support 151,000 jobs for the residents of Western Sydney and beyond. The largest employment sectors are transport and logistics, education, retail, construction, manufacturing, health and community services.

Category Sponsor
Litter Prevention and Circular Economy

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) protects our environment and the community by being a leader, partner and protector. We are the primary environmental regulator for NSW and our purpose is to improve environmental performance and waste management across the state.

We lead in protecting our air, waterways, land and the health of the community for the future. We work with communities, government and business to reduce our impact on the environment; and we hold people and organisations to account through licensing, monitoring, regulation and enforcement.

Our vision is for New South Wales to have a healthy environment, healthy community and healthy business. We believe healthy ecosystems are the foundation for healthy communities, a healthy economy and for enhancing liveability.

Category Sponsor
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Red Energy is the multi award-winning retail arm of Snowy Hydro Limited, which owns and operates the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme. Red Energy retails electricity and gas in Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South East Queensland and South Australia. Red Energy employs more than 1,200 staff, many based in its contact centre in Melbourne.