Living Smart Festival returns with a global twist

Published on 19 September 2024

Thousands are expected to descend on Speers Point Park on Saturday for one of Australia’s biggest sustainability-themed events.

Lake Macquarie City Council Coordinator Sustainability Engagement Chris Harle said the 9am-3pm Living Smart Festival would feature three major headliners and a large multicultural presence.

Winner of Australia’s Alone TV show Gina Chick, River Cottage Australia host Paul West and previous MasterChef Australia contestant turned food influencer Steph De Sousa will share their wisdom on all things sustainability.

“We’re thrilled to also introduce a variety of multicultural zones at this year’s Living Smart Festival, where more than 10 countries will showcase their unique cultures and sustainable practices from around the globe,” Ms Harle said.

“Dance performances from across the world, Spanish lessons, salsa dancing, Zumba classes, henna body art and so much more will entertain visitors throughout the day.”

An eat zone will host a variety of food and workshops featuring international cuisine from Korea, Brazil and Venezuela.

Ms Harle said it was more important than ever to provide the community with information and inspiration to live more sustainably, whether by saving electricity, reducing waste or growing produce at home.

“We’re catering to people of all ages and demographics at this event – it’s always a great atmosphere,” she said.

An energy zone will include electric vehicles, a home electrification display, an interactive challenge by the University of Newcastle, a workshop on the health effects of cooking with gas and more.

And with spring in full swing, free native plants will be given to all Lake Macquarie residents who attend.

“We will have a grow zone, where attendees can swap crops, see our fantastic school garden bed competition, learn about regenerative agriculture, see worm farms and learn about natural pool systems,” Ms Harle said.

“We also have a kids’ zone, where children can get their face painted, make nature crowns and engage in international storytelling sessions.”

A First Nations zone will see workshops on Indigenous tools, Aboriginal art and languages, as well as dance sessions with DreamTime Dance Company and elder talks with Aunty D. 

The Living Smart Festival is proudly sponsored by the NSW Government’s Multicultural NSW, Hunter Resource Recovery, Hunter Water, Allambi Care, the University of Newcastle, Newcastle Weekly and Greater Bank.

For more information and a full program, head to livingsmartfestival.com.