From the National Executive Officer

It has been a productive and busy start to 2026 for the AORA team and with February almost finished, the AORA 2026 Annual Conference is that much closer.

The conference program is now available and tickets are on sale so if you haven’t locked in your time to be in Melbourne (22-24 April 2026) for the 2026 AORA Annual Conference, now is the time – go to aoraconference.com.au to secure your tickets.

Next week I am on the road with Jacqui Payne (AORA National Policy and Advocacy Officer) in Victoria, catching up with and hearing from members across the state. This is part of Jacqui’s induction to our industry and comes on the back of time spent in New South Wales and Queensland late last year and a recent visit by Jacqui to South Australia. We haven’t forgotten about you in Western Australia and Tasmania and will schedule time in for these visits too, most likely after the conference now.

Our new State Committees are in place in VIC, NSW and QLD and we are starting to plan events in these regions between now and the end of June.

Keep up to date with these events via our newsletter, social media and website and we look forward to seeing many of you at these.

John McKew 

National Executive Officer

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS CLOSE TOMORROW

Policy Updates and Information

Biosolids and composted Biosolids

We have continued positive engagement with the NSW EPA on the extensive feedback they received late 2025 on the Draft Biosolids Resource Recovery Order and Exemption (the Order).

Next Steps:

• EPA will separate into two Orders, (1) Biosolids direct to land and (2) composted biosolids – and will allow a feedback process.
• EPA to release a summary of submission themes to guide next steps.
• EPA & AORA – to meet again in late March.

Contamination in FOGO & GO

AORA has commenced framing and drafting an updated position paper to reinforce consistent messaging around physical contaminants in FOGO, limitations in processing capability and to reinforce the role and value of compost to achieve various state targets.

Next Steps:

• Developing a red, amber, green summary of items promoted across state FOGO guidance documents.

If you process FOGO and want to contribute specific insights or challenges please indicate this via email to Jacqui.

Oversized screening material/contaminants

In QLD we have been directed by DETSI to provide a proposal for consideration to have oversized screening material and contaminants excluded or subject to a levy discount under the Waste and Recycling Regulation 2023, Schedule 3.

Next Steps:

• AORA will submit an application on behalf of QLD members.

DETSI indicated this will take a considerable time for the Government review and regulatory drafting process if approved. 

Office of QLD Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner (OQMRC) 

free event & webinar in Brisbane

The OQMRC is hosting two seminars in March, (in person and one virtual) on their recent technical report – creating alternative growth media for mine rehabilitation and an opportunity to engage with the authors.

• AORA provided feedback to OQMRC on certain elements of the report, in particular it’s negative framing of FOGO as an available option.

Next Steps:

• These events are open to those interested.
• AORA will attend the virtual seminar

To register for virtual or in person event visit Eventbrite (5^th & 17^th March).

AORA State Meeting Minutes

AORA State Members Meetings are a valuable member benefit, providing you with up to date information about the industry, progress reports on submissions, reports or hot topics and a chance to discuss key state and national issues with other state and national members.

There is a new process in place for State meetings in 2026, where meetings will occur every 2 months and the first have just been held in QLD, VIC and NSW (with SA and WA soon to be scheduled). However we will no longer be sending out minutes from these meetings, instead they will be housed in the members portal on the AORA website so that all members have access to the other states as well as there home state to ensure that there is a broader flow of information.

Young Professionals Scholarship now available

AORA and Pure Environmental are very pleased to announce the availability of a scholarship of $3,000 to support a young professional to attend our 2026 Annual Conference to be held in Melbourne, Victoria from 22 – 24 April 2026.

This opportunity is open to a young professional in Australia embarking on a career in the organics recycling industry.  Applicants must be under 30 years of age (as of 1 June 2026) and have less than two years’ experience working in the organics recycling industry.

If you do not qualify as a ‘young professional’ yourself, we encourage you to forward this email to others within your organisation who might qualify.

Only one scholarship is available.  Applications can be made by eligible persons by completing the online application form before 5pm Thursday 12 March 2026.  An announcement will be made in early April 2026.

The scholarship recipient will be required to: Attend all three days of the AORA 2026 Annual Conference (22 – 24 April 2026, Melbourne) Write an article for the AORA Newsletter on their experience at the conference, what they learnt and gained by attending the conference. Actively promote AORA through their networks Mentor any future conference scholarship recipients Become a student member of AORA if they are not already.

Applications will be assessed by representatives from AORA and Pure Environmental.  The awarding of a scholarship recipient will be at the discretion of the assessment committee.

Any questions can be directed to Alex Hammett, AORA National Coordinator on 0434 625 472 or email: alex@aora.org.au.

Creating a Cleaner Future: AIC Group and SKALA Environmental Bring Advanced Mobile Biochar & Waste To Energy Solutions to Australia

AIC Group, a global specialist in thermal treatment and waste-to-energy technology, is expanding into the Australasian market through a new distribution partnership with local equipment and systems integrator SKALA Environmental.

A Partnership Built on Innovation and Market Need

Craig Cosgrove, Director at SKALA Environmental, says the partnership reflects a shared desire to tackle one of the industry’s most persistent issues: managing organics residual material a after composting.

“FOGO and other organics waste streams continue to grow, and the market is demanding alternatives to traditional mulch and compost outlets,” Cosgrove says.

“This partnership enables us to deliver innovative systems that create new revenue opportunities while supporting broader sustainability goals.”

A New Solution for Organics Overburden

Among the technologies SKALA expects to gain immediate market traction is the AIC Mobile EcoChar Phoenix 8000, designed specifically for managing organic and timber overburden from composting and wood-processing facilities.

The Phoenix 8000 delivers volume reductions of up to 90% with no required pre-processing, converting wood waste into high-value biochar suitable for agriculture, compost blends, and carbon markets. With a 28 m³ chamber and throughput rates of 8–12 tph, the system sets a new benchmark for mobile biochar production.

Of Interest

Soil CRC project seeking funding, partners and trial farms

The Soil CRC is seeking partners to further develop and commercialise two technologies delivering a step-change in how soil performance is measured and managed. 
Learn more

Going Circular with Compost

Over five episodes, Circular Australia unpack the benefits and opportunities for government and industry to use commercial compost, showcasing real-world applications and research. 
Learn more

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