From the National Executive Director |
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The last day of what has been a roller coaster of a financial year!
We were incredibly fortunate to have had the perfect window for the AORA Conference between COVID flare ups and the Conference was an absolute success! We had the largest audience ever at an AORA Conference and even though there were some who couldn't attend in person, we were thrilled to be able to offer an online option for the two days.
For all of those in attendance, I think you would all agree, it was such a great feeling to be able to mix and mingle with colleagues and meet new people from across the nation. The networking events, exhibition area, demo day and breaks had such a buzz - it was clear that people were enjoying the face to face interaction!
We are already looking forward to the next one! Save the date - 1 to 3 June 2022 in Glenelg, South Australia!
Membership renewals are rolling out this week (more info in the following sections) and we are putting the final touches on the AORA National Events Calendar, which we will release shortly.
Peter Olah
National Executive Officer
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Welcome to our new members |
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Associate Members
Hitachi Zosen Inova Australia (NSW)
COVA Thinking (TAS)
Confoil (VIC)
Avian Management Services (QLD)
Pacific Materials Handling (VIC)
Barwon Water (VIC)
Breen Resources (NSW)
City of Greater Bendigo (VIC)
Melbourne City Council (VIC)
Processing Members
Grange Growing Solutions (NSW)
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Individual Members
Luke Willson (TAS)
Natalya Giffney (SA)
John Nassis (NSW)
Jackie Yong (VIC)
Michael Yarra (NSW)
Michael Davis (NSW)
John Glendining (NSW)
Student Member
Sarah Carson (NZ)
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Existing AORA Members - Renewal invoices have been sent directly from Xero to your primary account contact. DO NOT RENEW ON THE AORA WEBSITE
Membership benefits include;
- As a member, you (and your staff) are entitled to attend free events across the year as well as discounted members rates for all paid events.
- Association support & advocacy on behalf of key membership issues
- Regulatory changes
- Policy advocacy
- Standards and specifications
- Access to AORA calendar of events
- Linkages with allied industry suppliers & technical advisers
- Regular industry updates
- Use of AORA logo for co-branding
- Regular AORA newsletters
- Access & input into research & trials
- Reciprocal Association Agreements
- Networking opportunities
- Ability to influence State and Federal Government policy as part of a unified and representative industry body
- Ability to list and promote your own events on AORA calendar or newsletter
- Sponsorship opportunities
- Access to potential clients via end user targeted events
- Access to fact sheets and case studies
- Annual subscription to Waste Management Review.
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AORA Student
Research Awards
The AORA Student Research Awards had two winners in 2021.
PhD Category: Dr Robert Impraim, University of Melbourne
"Lignite amendment of livestock manure: Mechanisms for nitrogen retention and effects on composting and nutrient release dynamics."
Honours Category: James O'Connor, University of Newcastle
"The value of dehydrated food waste products in enriching soil health and crop productivity."
Both winners presented their winning papers on Day 2 of the conference.
The AORA Student Research Awards for Advancing Organics Recycling is proudly supported by Komptech. Dean Cavanagh, General Sales Manager - SPG, said "Komptech are proud to support the AORA Student Research Awards as these awards showcase the high achievers and their innovative insights. Whilst they are early in their careers, they are the future of the industry and Komptech is proud to recognise this."
Research considered for an award may apply to any stage of the supply chains of source separated urban derived organic materials, food and fibre processing residues, biosolids, and also agricultural residues such as animal manures and mortalities.
We thank Dr Johannes Biala, Directory, Centre for Recycling of Organic Waste and Nutrients at the University of Queensland for managing the Awards and the selection committee for their generous time.
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The winner of the AORA 2021 Legend’s Award was announced during the Conference Dinner in the Hunter Valley on June 16.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2021 AORA Legend is Garry Kimble. Garry joins a prestigious lineup of industry veterans.
Garry may be best known for his work on the key standards that govern the composting industry, holding the key role of secretary on the committees for the standards AS4419, 4454 and 3743.
He was project coordinator for SAI Global providing product certification against standards for health and safety. Prior to joining SAI global, Garry held a number of technical, QA and management roles in various industries. Garry was also the secretary of Compost NSW and AORA NSW for many years, going back as far as the 1990’s.
In all of the work Garry has done supporting the compost industry, much of it was in a voluntary capacity, going above and beyond, his enthusiasm never waning. Congratulations Garry - truly deserving of the Legends Award!
As part of the presentation, AORA immortalised the winners as caricatures with the help of David Green - artist. Check them out on the AORA site.
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Update on EPA VIC Act
AORA Vic is currently immersed in understanding the implications for its Members of the new State of Victoria Environmental Protection Act coming into force on 01 July 2021 together with its Subordinate Legislation.
EPA Victoria has accredited AORA Vic as an “educator” concerning the provisions of the Act that relate to processed organics and manures and has provided some grant funding toward that activity. Online information sessions, between 25-30 June, have been conducted. The content is fluid as details of the content of the Act filter out from EPA Vic.
AORA Vic’s consultations with EPA Vic over the last two years had led to the expectation that the organics waste streams and their re-purposed outputs would be regarded as low-risk and that their transitions / applications would be governed by simple tools called Determinations and Declarations of Use. Based on the documentation so far received, it appears that those expectations are being largely delivered although clarification is needed concerning in-vessel composting.
AORA Vic will provide briefing notes to Members once the Act is fully published and it is likely that further sessions will take place to provide more detailed information. to get into the “nitty-gritty”.
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Only 2 booths left in the AORA Organics Zone! |
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AWRE is on from August 25-26 at the ICC in Sydney and is the premier business event for the waste, recycling and resource recovery sector.
The popular AORA Zone has only two booths left, so don't miss out! With an new earthy feel, timber look back walling, moss green carpet and citrus and herb plants, it will definitely be appealing to visitors. As an AORA member only area, each space is offered at $2,950 ex GST and includes a 3x2 space with walling, a table, 2 chairs, signage, power and PLI.
This year, with the assistance of a newly formed Advisory Committee, they have expanded the event further to include an innovation zone and awards, a high level summit and a gala dinner. Even more reason for the waste and recycling community to come together to connect; and for you to be part of the exhibition in the AORA Zone!
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Upcoming Events - Save the Dates! |
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AORA SA - Composting Approaches in Viticulture
Thursdsay 19 August
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An opportunity to examine how two iconic vineyards, Paxton Wines and Wirra Wirra, in beautiful McLaren Vale manage their requirements for compost through their partnership with Peats Soils and Garden Supplies. This event, presented jointly by AORA and the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia, NASAA will feature Tim Marshall providing a workshop on the composting of farm organic wastes and combining this with quality products from commercial composters to achieve high quality recycled organic products at the scale required on farm.
Contact Uma for more information. Bookings will open soon.
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AORA NSW Breakfast Event
Wednesday 25 August
8am - 9.30am
(prior to opening of AWRE)
Novotel Sydney Darling Square
Bookings for this event will open late this week. Keep an eye out!
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SA Organics Sector Analysis
This analysis of the organics sector, the first such study in South Australia, sought to measure the South Australian organics processing sector’s current economic and environmental contribution and its capacity to support further transition to a circular economy and potential new opportunities.
Garden Organics Bins ready to go in Wanneroo
The City of Wanneroo, AORA WA Member, began their roll out of garden organics bins in early June. They estimate 14 000 tonnes will be diverted from landfill.
Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund
The Australian Government is investing $67 million to establish a Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund. The Fund will put organic waste to productive use on our agricultural soils, rather than going to landfill. Funding will be administered through participating state and territory governments.
NSW releases Plastics Action Plan
Forming a key part of the NSW Government's NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041, the NSW Plastics Action Plan outlines a comprehensive suite of actions to address plastic at all points of the plastics lifecycle, from production and consumption to disposal and recycling.
National Compostable Packaging Strategy launched at AORA Conference
APCO, in partnership with ABA and AORA, recently released the National Compostable Packaging Strategy, a comprehensive new approach to how Australia can develop an environmentally sustainable system for compostable packaging.
Organics Strategy for Tasmania
RMCG, Rawtec, Optimum Standard and Carbon Clarity have been engaged by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment to develop an Organics Strategy for Tasmania.
Feed your soils to feed the world: Supporting soil health in vegetable production
Peats is conducting a range of trials to improve product performance and the impact on vegetable and potato production.
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If you have a story, link or news to share with AORA members, please email Alex
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AORA - Australian Organics Recycling Association
0434 625 472| admin@aora.org.au
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