Manly Food, Wine & Sustainability Festival

The search is on to recruit environmentally concerned volunteers to assist in reducing the amount of waste to landfill generated by the hugely popular Manly Food, Wine & Sustainability Festival, held this year over the weekend of 5 and 6 of June 2010 between 11:30am and 5pm both days.

One of Sydney's largest community based food and wine festivals, the Manly Food, Wine & Sustainability Festival attracts an estimated 30,000 patrons drawn by Manly's landmark restaurants showcasing a range of international cuisine (from Asia to Europe and back again), and an exclusive range of wines from the more popular wine producing areas in New South Wales.

"However, with such large numbers of people attending the two-day event, literally tonnes of waste are generated," said Mayor of Manly, Councillor Jean Hay.

"As Manly values its beautiful environment, our volunteers are greatly appreciated here in the Manly community for their vital role in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill by promoting the festival message of ‘Great Taste Less Waste'."

"The volunteer role does not involve collecting or handling waste, but simply informing people where and how best to dispose of their waste."

The plates and cutlery to be used at the event this year will be made from Areca palm leaves and bamboo which means the organisers will be able to minimise the environmental impact of the Festival by composting the plates and cutlery along with left-over food.

In previous years, Manly Food, Wine & Sustainability Festival volunteers, by directing people to use the correct bins, have removed 12.51 tonnes of waste produced; that's a huge 85 per cent reduction of waste to landfill!

A typical year's effort by volunteer educators has seen diverted from the waste stream;
7.7 tonnes of mixed container waste - Bottles, cans and plastics
3.5 tonnes of cardboard and paper
1.31 tonne of organic material - Plates, cutlery & food leftovers

The organic material collected was composted. Bottles paper and cardboard were recycled.

"These excellent environmental outcomes rely on the support and assistance of volunteers" said Councillor Hay.

"This is a great opportunity to become familiar with low-waste festival techniques, help the environment, meet new people and be part of a large community event. Shifts are for three hours, either Saturday or Sunday."

All volunteers will receive a free meal voucher from the Festival, a t-shirt and drink bottle.

Volunteers will also receive a letter of appreciation, signed by Councillor Hay and Manly Council's General Manager, a great asset to your CV or record of achievement.

To take part as a 2010 Manly Food, Wine & Sustainability Festival ‘Great taste, Less waste' volunteer, call the Manly Council Community Volunteer Coordinator on 9976 1658 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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