Getting Your Club Started on the Sustainability Journey
Sustainability in sport starts with one small step—and that’s exactly what this webinar set out to support.
Delivered in collaboration with Community Clubs Victoria and Sports Environment Alliance (SEA), the Getting Your Club Started on the Sustainability Journey webinar offered practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert guidance for community clubs beginning to embed environmental practices into their day-to-day operations.
Whether your club is large or small, early in its sustainability journey or already taking steps - this session provided valuable insights into what’s possible.
Starting Small, Thinking Big – A Karate Club’s Story
Sensei Paul Pirie from Samurai Dojo shared his club’s journey toward sustainability - demonstrating that grassroots action can lead to powerful cultural change.
From switching to reusable drink bottles to encouraging families to walk or cycle to training, the dojo focused on small, consistent actions that align with their club values. Sensei Paul’s message was clear: no matter your starting point, leadership and community buy-in can make sustainability part of club culture.
“You don’t need to be a big club with lots of money to make a difference—you just need to start.”
— Sensei Paul Pirie
Turning Waste into Opportunity – Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme
Meghan Mayman from VicReturn, coordinators of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), outlined how clubs can get involved and benefit from the initiative.
Through CDS Vic, clubs can collect eligible drink containers and either donate the proceeds or reinvest them into their operations. It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce landfill, encourage recycling, and engage members in environmental action.
“CDS Vic is about more than recycling—it’s about participation and community benefit. Sporting clubs are uniquely placed to lead the way.”
— Meghan Mayman
Understanding the State of Waste – and What Clubs Can Do
David Cocks, Director of Growth at MRA Consulting Group, provided a broader perspective on Australia’s waste challenge—highlighting the role community clubs can play in shifting the dial.
David encouraged clubs to:
Start collecting data on their waste and resource use
Set clear, achievable goals
Build sustainability into procurement and contract decisions
“Data gives you power. Once you know your impact, you can take meaningful action—and influence others along the way.”
— David Cocks
Key Takeaways
Start small: Every step counts—begin with achievable actions like reducing single-use plastics or improving waste separation.
Use your influence: Clubs can engage members, volunteers, and partners to drive change.
Embed it: Consider how sustainability can become part of your club’s decision-making—from uniforms to suppliers.
Track your progress: Measure your impact to maintain momentum and demonstrate success.
