Whilst many organisations look exclusively to Europe and parts of Asia for circularity knowledge and best practice, we also look to the original inhabitants of Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been Caring for Country for millennia, practicing circularity in all but name wherever they extracted value from the land under their traditional laws and customs. Working to circular economy principles 60,000 years before they became something to be re-examined by our modern society as we look for solutions to the environmental and societal challenges we face today.

We recognise that there is much we can learn from the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waterways and airspace of Australia.

In the Bega Valley, it is the legacy of the people of the Yuin and Monaro Nations that we can learn most from, and we are committed to finding ways to work alongside them and ensuing our work is informed by their knowledge as we look to build a more circular valley for all the future inhabitants of this beautiful corner of Australia.

TAKING INSPIRATION FROM THE BEGA VALLEY’S TRADITIONAL ROLE AS A MEETING PLACE

One early insight we took from how the Traditional Owners used to live in the region, was the understanding that the Bega Valley was a significant meeting place for the many tribes of the Yuin Nation.

Throughout the valley evidence can be found of Bunan rings – culturally significant sites where Aboriginal people would meet for ceremonial practice.

Knowing this led us to a better understanding of what our role could be in helping transition the Bega Valley towards a more circular economy, and acting as a convenor of people and groups has been a key part of our work ever since.

It is also helping inform our approach to developing the National Circularity Centre – a place that will very much be about bringing people together to learn and be inspired together on Djiringanj Country.