Sustainability expo inspires Kingston community
A free community sustainability expo in Kingston SE has exceeded expectations, drawing strong local support and highlighting a growing appetite for practical, community‑led action on waste reduction and sustainable living.
The Waste Away from Lacepede Bay: Sustainability Expo, held on Saturday 7 March at the Kingston SE Senior Citizens Centre, was delivered by Kingston S.E. Small Steps with support from a $3,500 Stand Like Stone Foundation grant.
The event featured hands‑on workshops, demonstrations, market stalls and competitions, with a particular highlight being the strong involvement of local school students.
“The event went better than could have been imagined, with a good turnout and very positive feedback,” said Kingston SE Small Steps coordinator Liz Wingard. “It was especially pleasing to see so many school students involved in the Junk Art and Recycled Fashion competitions and to have the school demonstrating how plastic bottle lids can be recycled into pens.”
Stand Like Stone funding supported the participation of KESAB environmental solutions presenters, who delivered popular demonstrations on making beeswax wraps and conscious cooking techniques that showed how small changes at home can reduce waste and save energy.
“Both the KESAB session and Brad Scott from Transmutation in Robe were extremely well received,” Ms Wingard said. “Brad’s talk was informative and entertaining and the practical demonstrations really resonated with people.”
Throughout the day, attendees took part in a wide range of activities, including pot‑making and seed planting, knitting and book rug conversations over coffee, card and bookmark making and creating art from beach litter. Short recycled fashion parades added to the fun, creating an inclusive and friendly atmosphere.
With support from Kingston District Council, Stand Like Stone Foundation and many local volunteers, the event ran smoothly and fostered strong connections across generations.
“The day showed just how much talent and goodwill exists in our community,” Ms Wingard said.
“It’s clear there is real momentum and plans are already underway to build on this success with a follow‑up event.”
Kingston SE Small Steps hopes the Sustainability Expo will grow into an annual event, continuing to inspire practical action and collaboration across the region.
“This is a wonderful example of what happens when local passion is matched with the right support,” said Stand Like Stone Foundation Chair Georgie McKay. “The Waste Away from Lacepede Bay Expo brought people together across generations, sparked creativity and showed how practical action at a community level can lead to lasting change.”
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
