The discussion of the circular economy and its benefits to communities is evolving and taking a significant position on the world stage. While the environmental and economic aspects of the circular economy are relatively well established, social outcomes are often overlooked. There are no established frameworks or roadmaps for measuring the social impacts of circularity.
Date: Wednesday 3 June 2026
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
Location: Sydney Business School CBD Campus, Level 16, 133 Castlereagh St, Sydney or online
This event is a timely discussion for all practitioners to begin seeing the circular economy and social impact as a single agenda, in which circular systems will be judged not only by sustainable outcomes such as tonnes diverted or materials recovered, but also by whether they create valuable work and reduce inequity.
The panel includes circular economy experts, and we will hear them present and unpack circular initiatives that prioritise social outcomes from day one. They will explore the social impacts of adopting a circular economy at a local level, textile recycling and social value, solar panel recycling and community impact and closing the digital divide by distributing refurbished mobile technology. The presenters will also emphasise the importance of building credible measurement approaches, moving from assumptions to indicators, so organisations and stakeholders can learn what works, improve what doesn’t, and scale the models that deliver the strongest community outcomes.
The session will include a discussion, followed by refreshments and networking drinks.
This event is proudly supported by Monash University and the University of Sydney.
Meet our presenters
Glen Croy
Glen is an Associate Professor at Monash Business School, Monash University. He advocates for prioritising sustainable outcomes for communities and their environments. A core focus is investigating the qualitative value and effectiveness of people, the environment, and resources in business, particularly the adoption of circular economy practices to address the barriers that traditional business models create and impose.
Nina Gbor
Nina is a media personality, sustainable fashion and circular economy expert, international speaker, researcher, and clothes swap maven dedicated to transforming the fashion industry's impact on people and the planet. She is the Director of the Circular Economy & Waste Program at The Australia Institute, and has co-authored notable papers, been featured on the ABC TV series War On Waste, and launched a petition for reform in Australia's fashion and textiles industry.
James McGregor
James is the Founder of Blue Tribe Company, a multi-award-winning business that combines behavioural science, storytelling, and data-driven strategies to inspire action where it matters most. He has over 20 years of experience in sustainable innovation and has pioneered world-record solar tech and carbon capture innovations, developed circular solutions to tackle solar panel waste, and commercialised behavioural science research into Television production.
Annette Brodie
Annette is the Founder and CEO of The Reconnect Project, Australia's first charity and social enterprise committed to closing the digital divide by distributing refurbished mobile technology to disadvantaged Australians. The Reconnect Project diverts viable devices from e-waste, sending them on a path of repair/refurbishment to extend their operating life. Annette has a background in PR and communications and spent 20 years working on community education and engagement programs on waste and recycling, with businesses, councils and charities.
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