THE circular economy has a growing presence in Port Macquarie and across the Mid North Coast, with community groups, businesses and residents finding new ways to keep unwanted items out of landfill and give them a second life.
The strength of local support was recently demonstrated when Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Drive-thru and Drop-off pilot event attracted such an extraordinary response that it reached capacity and closed before its advertised 1pm finish.
With reuse and resource recovery already firmly embraced across the region, local organisations are now being encouraged to showcase their work by entering the 2026 NSW Sustainability Awards.
“Due [to] an extraordinary community response, today’s Drive-thru & Drop-off event has now reached capacity and we’re unfortunately unable to accept any further items,” Council said in a Facebook statement.
“As a pilot event, the level of participation and generosity from our community has exceeded our expectations.”
Community Crafts’ Dawn Tindall, a passionate sustainability advocate with a background in education, training and disability employment, said there were numerous local organisations already contributing to the circular economy.
“I think our community has ‘stuff’ and these circular economy businesses help to collect the unwanted items and redistribute them to those people who do want them,” Ms Tindall said.
“There are so many niche organisations, programs and businesses like Community Crafts for Arts and Crafts Supplies, Recycle Bicycle, Bubba Atlas for baby clothes and items, Grand Master Vintage, Rent a Rack, Village Market and also all of the op shops around town that should all apply for the award not just to win, but to help [inform] what they do.”
Regional efforts are also supported by the MidWaste Regional Waste Forum, which comprises five Mid North Coast councils working collectively to strategically manage waste on a regional scale.
Its approach reflects the broader move away from a linear “take, make, dispose” model towards a circular economy where materials are recognised as resources and kept in use wherever possible.
The NSW Sustainability Awards include categories covering Circular Economy, Net Zero Action, Nature Positive, Sustainable Tourism, SME Sustainable Leadership and Climate Innovation, as well as the Regional Sustainable Development Award.
Community organisations, initiatives and eligible businesses across Port Macquarie and the wider Mid North Coast are encouraged to consider entering and putting the region’s sustainability efforts in the spotlight.
Entries for the 2026 NSW Sustainability Awards close on 23 September.
By Sis HIGGINS
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