There are exciting times ahead for Bass Coast and surrounds, as Bass Coast Landcare Network prepares to host this years’ Sustainability Festival at the River Garden in Bass.

This year, local groups, businesses, organisations and community members are invited to participate in a one-day festival-style event on Sunday May 21 from 10am to 3pm, with gold coin entry donation for participants.

“Unlike 2021’s festival which was held online and in person over six weeks due to covid restrictions, we are looking forward to a more engaging event with lots of community connection this time,” said organiser Lisa Wangman of the Bass Coast Landcare Network.

“The theme for the 2023 Festival is ‘Empowering People to Adapt’. With rises in the cost of living, erratic weather, and environmental systems in decline, now is the time to find better ways of living a little lighter on our earth.

“If you have a business, group or offering that can help our community respond to changes in our climate in positive ways, then we would love to hear from you.”

The festival is also looking for innovative, interactive demonstrations that visitors to the festival can participate in, as well as engaging speakers for the festival stage, which will feature live presentations throughout the day.

The festival is a chance for local communities across Gippsland and beyond, to speak to a massive audience, to share their products, mission or passions.

Energy and water efficiency, zero waste options, recycled/recyclable products, sustainable gardening and farming, innovative housing solutions, electric vehicles and more will all be showcased at this year’s Festival.

The Festival location at the River Garden is an exciting space in itself, with swales of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees, a nuttery and orchard, all surrounded by the beautiful Bass River.

Applications for stallholders, food, demonstrators and presenters will be open very soon at the Festival website www.basscoastlandcare.org.au/sustainabilityfestival2023.html

Express your interest by filling out an application form.

“Hosting a stall or interactive demonstration at the market is a great opportunity to not only sell your wares but to connect directly with future customers,” Lisa explained.

“People can connect with the face of your business and learn how and why you do what you do.

“There are also various sponsorship opportunities available for businesses that would like to increase their reach into the community by association with the Festival and Landcare.”

If you would like to discover, learn about, and implement sustainable actions into your life to save yourself some hard-earned cash or increase your comfort, then there is definitely something in this year’s festival for you.

This event is supported by Bass Coast Shire Council and run by the Bass Coast Landcare Network.

For more information about the Sustainability Festival head to www.basscoastlandcare.org.au/sustainabilityfestival2023.html

For all enquiries, please contact Lisa Wangman, Education, Training and Communications Manager for Bass Coast Landcare network at lisa.wangman@basscoastlandcare.org.au