Clare Sustainability Festival 2026 coming up 20 June
Coming up in Clare: A great day out on Saturday 20 June. 🌱There’ll be workshops, demonstrations, market stalls and keynote speaker Dr Anika Molesworth, one of Australia’s leading voices on farming, climate and resilience.
CLARE SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL
In the midst of rising living costs, ongoing drought and growing conversations around waste and sustainability, a small group of volunteers banded together to host a local sustainability festival to everyday people looking for practical ways to waste less, save money and live a little more sustainably without turning life upside down.
The details:
📆 WHEN: Saturday June 20, 9am-3pm
📌 WHERE: Clare Town Hall
🆓 COST: Free entry
ⓕ CLICK HERE TO SAY YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT COMING ON FACEBOOK
- Event program
- A bit about the lineup of speakers & workshops
- An article about the event, courtesy of Greater SA
Festival schedule
Scroll down for more details about everything on the program.
A great lineup
Anika Molesworth
Keynote: Practical action for communities - for a sustainable and thriving future
Josh Jenner
Acknowlegement of Country
Josh Jenner is a proud Kokatha educator and researcher with extensive experience across urban, regional and remote education settings. With multiple qualifications in education, Aboriginal studies and leadership, Josh is currently completing a PhD exploring pathways for young people in remote Aboriginal communities. His work centres on culturally responsive education and strengthening understanding of Aboriginal histories, cultures and ways of knowing.
Pat Williams
Sustainability: Doing it local
Adam Burford
Regen soils
Matt Martin, Electrify Adelaide
Transition to clean energy
Robert Crocker
Rethinking waste through design: In a world that is already full
Professor Gini Lee
Rethinking Waste Through Design: In a World That Is Already Full
WORKSHOPS
9:30 Australian Wormfirm - Sustainable Food – Gardening the Simple Way
Peter from The Australian Worm Firm joins the Clare Sustainability Festival to present his famous worm farming workshop!
This workshop is perfect for you if you would like to improve your soil organically or are looking to start or maintain your worm farm better!
Peter brings a wealth of experience to our event, as a professional worm farmer whose business manufactures the popular Worm Castle worm farm and grows compost worms and castings to ship all over Australia! He will answer the following questions and more:
- What worms are good for my garden?
- How do I start a worm farm from scratch?
- How do I feed & water my worm farm?
- How do I harvest castings & extract?
- How do I use worm castings or organic fertiliser to start my seedlings or improve my soil?
Attendees will also get a SPECIAL price on Worm Castle starter kits purchased on the day! Show us your ticket to get $10 off your Worm Castle Starter Kit (in either Gumleaf Green or Mocha)! This applies to Worm Castle Starter Kits with either 500 or 1000 worms, and Double Worm Castle Starter Kits as well!
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/worm-farming-workshop-clare-sustainability-festival
9:30 Custom made Stamping Workshop with Bec
Join Bec to create your own custom made stamp to personalise cards and gift tags. This short workshop at two timeslots, will have you designing and creating a stamp that you can use again and again. Guided by local printmaker, Rebecca O’Leary, all tools and equipment are provided for use. Walk away with • your own stamp • mini greeting card and envelope • gift tag Please note that sharp tools are used in this workshop.
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/custom-stamp-making-workshop
10:00 Love Your Left-overs workshop
10:00 Invisible mending with Tina
Tina is another of our regular Repair Café volunteers. She is an absolute magician with a needle and thread. She will take you through the process of mending so you wouldn’t know there was ever a problem with the item. In terms of sustainability, fashion is one of the worst offenders but if we can improve the longevity of our clothes it would go a long way towards improving its environmental record. So get yourself along to learn this old school skill that will keep your clothes in good condition for many more years to come.
10:30 Origami Workshop: Crafting nature from Paper (for kids)
Unfold your creativity and discover the mindful, eco-friendly art of paper folding! Join us for a relaxed hands-on workshop where you will transform simple sheets of paper into beautiful animals. Origami is a wonderful way to slow down, practise focus, and give paper a second life. These workshops are completely beginner friendly and perfect for anyone looking to learn a fun, creative new skill. We are running two completely different sessions. You are welcome to book into just one, or grab a ticket to both to master the full collection.
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/origami-workshop-clare-sustainability-festival
10:30 Native Gardens for Clare: What to Plant (and What to Give the Boot) 🌿🌼
Looking to create a beautiful, low‑maintenance garden that thrives in the Clare climate? Join us for a practical, hands‑on workshop all about designing your own native garden using local plants.
Learn which plants are best suited to our region, how to create a garden that supports local wildlife, and which common garden plants are best given the boot before they become a problem.
This session is perfect for anyone wanting to garden more sustainably while still achieving a stunning, resilient landscape.
✨ What you’ll get:
- Expert advice tailored to Clare’s conditions
- Inspiration for low‑maintenance, climate‑ready gardens
- Local native plants on display
- Tips on identifying and removing problem species
- Practical ideas you can use straight away
11:00 Bicycle maintenance with John
John has been involved with the Repair Café since it began some years ago. Helping people with getting their bike back on the road again, rolling smoothly. He also was a member of the Second Cycle group that found old bikes and brought them back to life. These bikes were then donated to schools so they could be reused by kids who didn’t have access to a bike. His bike maintenance skills are second to none and he’s keen to take people on a beginners version of how to look after your bike.
11:30 Origami Workshop: Crafting nature from Paper (for adults)
Unfold your creativity and discover the mindful, eco-friendly art of paper folding! Join us for a relaxed hands-on workshop where you will transform simple sheets of paper into beautiful animals. Origami is a wonderful way to slow down, practise focus, and give paper a second life. These workshops are completely beginner friendly and perfect for anyone looking to learn a fun, creative new skill. We are running two completely different sessions. You are welcome to book into just one, or grab a ticket to both to master the full collection.
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/origami-workshop-clare-sustainability-festival
11:30 Discover the Hidden Life of Your Local Waterways Workshop🌿🐟🐸
Ever wondered what’s really going on beneath the surface of your local creeks and rivers? Join us for an interactive session exploring the fascinating world of water-dependent ecosystems right here in our region.
Learn about Clare’s water resources and why permanent water plays a vital role in keeping these ecosystems thriving. We’ll share real stories from the field, showcase local monitoring projects, and introduce easy ways you can get involved - from citizen science apps to community events.
Whether you’re curious about nature, keen to learn something new, or looking for ways to make a difference, this session will give you practical tools, fresh insights, and a whole new appreciation for the waterways around you.
👉 Come along, get inspired, and be part of the story!
1:00 Sustainable Food Garden Design Workshop
Join permaculturist Peter Heidenreich for a gardening extravaganza as we explore how to start a vegetable garden from scratch.
Whether you have limited space or a big block, Peter will take you through the critical steps of designing your garden, preparing the soil, choosing the right kind of garden bed for your needs and planting the right seeds or seedlings at the right time. Listen as he explains how to correctly water and mulch your garden for the best possible harvest, while minimising damage to your crop naturally. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions along the way, and also a longer time for a Q and A session towards the end.
Tickets: $15 general admission, $12.50 concession, $10 financial hardship, $5 accompanied kids under 16.
Tickets include the talk, and Q and A session.
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/sustainable-food-gardening-the-simple-way-clare-sustainability-festival
1:00 Q&A - Ask Us Anything: Land, Water & Nature - Open Forum 🌏💧🌿
Got a question about the environment but not sure who to ask? This is your chance! Join us for a relaxed, open Q&A session where no question is too big, small.
Chat with local experts from the local Northern and Yorke Landscape Board about everything from land management and water use to wildlife, weeds, and how it all fits together in our region. Whether you’re curious about what’s happening in your backyard, want practical advice, or just keen to learn more, this is a safe, welcoming space to explore it all.
Just drop in and join the conversation.
✨ What you’ll get:
- Straight answers from local experts
- Insights into land, water, and nature in your area
- Practical tips you can apply at home or on your property
- A chance to ask those questions you’ve always wondered about
1:30 Custom made Stamping Workshop with Bec
Join Bec to create your own custom made stamp to personalise cards and gift tags. This short workshop at two timeslots, will have you designing and creating a stamp that you can use again and again. Guided by local printmaker, Rebecca O’Leary, all tools and equipment are provided for use. Walk away with • your own stamp • mini greeting card and envelope • gift tag Please note that sharp tools are used in this workshop.
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/custom-stamp-making-workshop
From climate farming and resilience, to worm farms to runways
Article courtesy of GreaterSA
One of Australia’s best-known rural voices on climate, farming and resilience will headline the event. Farmer, scientist and author, Dr Anika Molesworth has been announced as keynote speaker for the inaugural event. She will talk about helping rural communities adapt to environmental challenges.
The program covers everything from renewable energy and regenerative agriculture through to food waste, wildlife rescue and clothing repair.
Clare’s very own gardenista and sustainability advocate Paulie Calaby, pictured below, will host “Love Your Leftovers” workshop, sharing practical tips on reducing food waste, stretching ingredients further and making the most of what’s already sitting in the fridge.
Watervale local Josh Jenner will speak about First Nations perspectives on sustainability, while Clare Valley-raised agronomist Adam Burford will talk all things regenerative agriculture and soil health.
Professor Gini Lee, a respected landscape architect and pastoralist, will discuss sustainable landscape design, while Dr Robert Crocker will tackle overconsumption and waste.
There’ll also be practical workshops covering worm farming, native gardens, bike maintenance and invisible mending, alongside market stalls and displays from environmental organisations and community groups.
One of the more colourful additions to the day will be a recycled and upcycled fashion parade, emceed by Clare and Gilbert Valleys Mayor Allan Aughey, a man well-known for enjoying a bold splash of colour himself.
Organisers hope people leave with a few practical ideas, a little inspiration and some simple things they can try at home themselves.
The program covers everything from renewable energy and regenerative agriculture through to food waste, wildlife rescue and clothing repair.
Clare’s very own gardenista and sustainability advocate Paulie Calaby, pictured below, will host “Love Your Leftovers” workshop, sharing practical tips on reducing food waste, stretching ingredients further and making the most of what’s already sitting in the fridge.
Watervale local Josh Jenner will speak about First Nations perspectives on sustainability, while Clare Valley-raised agronomist Adam Burford will talk all things regenerative agriculture and soil health.
Professor Gini Lee, a respected landscape architect and pastoralist, will discuss sustainable landscape design, while Dr Robert Crocker will tackle overconsumption and waste.
There’ll also be practical workshops covering worm farming, native gardens, bike maintenance and invisible mending, alongside market stalls and displays from environmental organisations and community groups.
One of the more colourful additions to the day will be a recycled and upcycled fashion parade, emceed by Clare and Gilbert Valleys Mayor Allan Aughey, a man well-known for enjoying a bold splash of colour himself.
Organisers hope people leave with a few practical ideas, a little inspiration and some simple things they can try at home themselves.
