In a shining example of community leadership and environmental responsibility, the Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise has achieved remarkable success in reducing waste at the popular Howitt Park Market.
The club’s proactive approach to waste minimisation has not only lightened the load on local landfill but also inspired stallholders and visitors to think differently about how they manage waste.
Held monthly in the scenic surrounds of Howitt Park, the market is a much-loved community event attracting hundreds of locals and visitors. With food vendors, craft stalls, and fresh produce on offer, the market has traditionally generated a considerable amount of waste. However, since late 2023, Rotary Sunrise members have been quietly transforming the way waste is handled at the event.
“Our goal has been to make the market more sustainable,” club president Clare Marriot- Smith said.
“We wanted to reduce the amount going to landfill – bit by bit. It’s a very manageable process when you break it down and work together.”
The club introduced a comprehensive waste-sorting system that now includes:
– Red for landfill waste
– Yellow for recyclables
– Dark blue for eligible container deposit scheme (CDS) items
– Green for compostable food and certified compostable packaging
– A separate collection for single-use coffee cups, which are compacted and sent for appropriate processing
This clear and simple system is supported by effective signage, regular announcements, and friendly volunteers who guide marketgoers on correct disposal. A standout supporter of the initiative has been Carlye Laws from The WasteNot Movement, who has attended each market in her now well-known role as the “bin fairy”, gently guiding people to the right bin and educating them about composting and recycling.
“Carlye has been incredible,” Clare said.
“She’s out there every month helping people learn what goes where. She’s made a huge difference in helping us achieve our goals. It’s amazing.”
The initiative has also caught the attention of local students, who have expressed interest in volunteering as bin fairies and supporting waste education at the market.
“It’s great to see young people wanting to get involved,” Clare said.
“They bring energy and enthusiasm, and they’re really passionate about the environment.”
Support from East Gippsland Shire Council has also helped make the initiative a success, with council staff assisting with signage, resources, and advice.
“It’s been a team effort. We’ve had support from all corners – it really shows what’s possible when the community, young people and local government come together,” Clare said.
The impact has been dramatic. With strong community engagement and ongoing support from stallholders, the market has now achieved an outstanding 90 per cent waste diversion rate, meaning only a small fraction of waste ends up in landfill. Thanks to this success, the market no longer requires a waste skip bin, a once-essential fixture now made redundant by improved sorting and reduced waste volumes.
“When you are given a goal and a date, then you have to make steps to achieve the goal,” Clare said.
“That’s what we did – we got organised, we rallied our volunteers, and we just took this on. It is a real plus for the club.
“We have people power and that’s what made the difference. Everyone got behind it. It’s amazing what can happen when people work together.”
Stallholders have also embraced the initiative, with many switching to compostable food packaging and reviewing their own waste practices. Visitors, too, have praised the efforts, with some saying they’ve taken waste-sorting ideas home with them.
To keep building on this momentum, the Rotary Club encourages all marketgoers to bring their own reusable coffee cup to enjoy a warm drink from their favourite vendor — without creating waste.
“It’s one small change that makes a big difference,” Clare said.
“It’s a win-win. The environment benefits, our community benefits, and the Rotary Club gets to show leadership and impact. It’s been amazing.”
As East Gippsland continues to look for ways to reduce its environmental footprint, the Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise’s efforts at the Howitt Park Market stand out as a practical, effective, and community-driven model. Their work shows what’s possible when people come together with purpose — a real inspiration to others looking to create change.
