ABC presenter and festival guest Craig Reucassell will present on simple choices we can all make to help the environment. By Alice Anderson
ENVIRONMENTAL challenges can often feel overwhelming. The Bass Coast Sustainability Festival is about making big ideas feel simple, practical and fun.
At its heart, the festival is a family-friendly celebration of community, creativity and caring for our environment. It’s designed for curious minds, whether you’re already living sustainably or just starting to ask a few questions about how you can do things a little differently.
ENVIRONMENTAL challenges can often feel overwhelming. The Bass Coast Sustainability Festival is about making big ideas feel simple, practical and fun.
At its heart, the festival is a family-friendly celebration of community, creativity and caring for our environment. It’s designed for curious minds, whether you’re already living sustainably or just starting to ask a few questions about how you can do things a little differently.
This year’s festival will be held at the Blue Gum Reserve in Cowes on Saturday, March 7, during the Labour Day long weekend.
ABC presenter Craig Reucassell is a special festival guest. Best known for his ground-breaking TV series War on Waste, he brings humour, clarity and curiosity to conversations about the environmental choices we all make.
There’s plenty to see, do and try:
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead said the festival is not just about sustainability; it’s about recognising a community that has long led the way.
“Our community has consistently shown how deeply it cares about the environment — from strong engagement in our council plan and community vision, to leadership in climate action, our Urban Forest Strategy and being early adopters of Food and Garden Organics collection back in 2017,” Cr Halstead said.
“This festival is about acknowledging how far we’ve come, and inspiring both locals and visitors to keep pushing further.”
Bass Coast Sustainability Festival, Blue Gum Reserve, 121 Settlement Road Cowes, Saturday 7 March 2026, 9.30am-3.30pm. Free, family-friendly and open to all.
Parking at Cowes Public School and Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes.
ABC presenter Craig Reucassell is a special festival guest. Best known for his ground-breaking TV series War on Waste, he brings humour, clarity and curiosity to conversations about the environmental choices we all make.
There’s plenty to see, do and try:
- Community Arts Station with environmental arts exhibition and creative workshops for kids and their parents aimed at sparking imagination and environmental awareness
- PICAL Community Garden offering hands-on demonstrations and practical tips for sustainable gardening and local food production
- Live music from local musicians
- Community groups and local stallholders showcasing our environmental volunteer groups, eco-friendly products and handmade goods
- Food trucks serving up delicious eats
- Chats with staff and volunteers from Phillip Island Nature Parks, Emergency Services, Bass Coast and Phillip Island Landcare groups
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead said the festival is not just about sustainability; it’s about recognising a community that has long led the way.
“Our community has consistently shown how deeply it cares about the environment — from strong engagement in our council plan and community vision, to leadership in climate action, our Urban Forest Strategy and being early adopters of Food and Garden Organics collection back in 2017,” Cr Halstead said.
“This festival is about acknowledging how far we’ve come, and inspiring both locals and visitors to keep pushing further.”
Bass Coast Sustainability Festival, Blue Gum Reserve, 121 Settlement Road Cowes, Saturday 7 March 2026, 9.30am-3.30pm. Free, family-friendly and open to all.
Parking at Cowes Public School and Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes.