This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women driving Australia’s community composting movement and capturing national media attention. Across the country, women are making headlines, shaping policy and inspiring change in their communities. Their stories reflect the growing recognition of community-led composting as an essential part of a sustainable future.
In SBS Chinese Online, Xuan Wang’s work in setting up composting systems in Melbourne apartment blocks was featured in a piece comparing community composting efforts in China and Australia. The North West Melbourne News also wrote about the broad impact her own local neighbourhood composting system. These stories demonstrate how urban residents can be part of the solution to food and garden waste. Xuan is also known for her podcast series where she spoke to a variety of people from around the country about their experience of community composting.
Clytie Binder brought the message to the airwaves, speaking with Tegan Taylor on ABC Radio National’s “Life Matters” about community composting as a practical and social solution for managing unavoidable food waste. Her interview emphasized how composting strengthens local connections while reducing landfill waste and also gave her the opportunity to talk about some of the amazing community composters she saw overseas on her Churchill Fellowship. In addition last year Morag Gamble interviewed Clytie on Episode 124 for International Women’s Day on her Sense Making in a Changing World Podcast.
After previously being featured on ABC News Ernie Harbott’s commitment to zero-waste living was showcased in New Idea magazine, which ran a full-page feature titled “Meet Australia’s Compost Queen.” Her passion for composting and waste reduction has inspired many to rethink their daily habits. More about Ernie here.
Hannah Churton’s community compost hub and verge garden was featured in an episode of the War on Waste which showed the deep community connections being formed there due to her work. More about Hannah here.
As interest in community composting continues to grow, these women are leading the way—showing that composting is not just about waste management, but about people, policy and a more sustainable future. Their leadership, vision and dedication are transforming communities and paving the way for lasting environmental change.
Do you have a story to share about an inspiring woman in composting? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at info@loccal.org.