Bass Coast Shire Council, Media Release, 16 February 2026
If you’re in Bass Coast for the Labour Day long weekend — or lucky enough to call it home — there’s one place to be: the 2026 Bass Coast Sustainability Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration of community, creativity and caring for our environment.
Held at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes on Saturday 7 March, the festival is designed for curious kids (and their grown-ups) and welcomes everyone, whether you’re living sustainably or just starting to ask a few questions about how you can do things a little differently…and do them well.
At its heart, the Sustainability Festival is about making big ideas feel simple, practical and fun. It’s a day to explore, learn and connect with the community groups that protect our Bass Coast’s naturally beautiful environment. Expect plenty to see, do and try, including:
- Community Arts Station with environmental arts exhibition and creative workshops for kids and their parents aimed at sparking imagination and environmental awareness
- PICAL Community Garden offering hands-on demonstrations and practical tips for sustainable gardening and local food production
- Live music from local musicians
- Community groups and local stallholders showcasing our environmental volunteer groups, eco-friendly products and handmade goods
- Food trucks serving up delicious eats
- Chats with staff and volunteers from Phillip Island Nature Parks, Emergency Services, Bass Coast and Phillip Island Landcare groups
We’re also excited to welcome ABC presenter Craig Reucassell as special guest, best known for The Chaser, War on Waste and Fight for Planet A. Craig brings humour, clarity and curiosity to conversations about environmental choices, and will present on how we can all look after the precious environment we call home.
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead said the festival is not just about sustainability; it’s about recognising a community that has long led the way.
“Our community has consistently shown how deeply it cares about the environment — from strong engagement in our Council Plan and Community Vision, to leadership in climate action, our Urban Forest Strategy and being early adopters of FOGO back in 2017,” Cr Halstead said.
“This festival is as much a celebration of our residents as it is of sustainability. It’s about acknowledging how far we’ve come, and inspiring both locals and visitors to keep pushing further.”
The 2026 Sustainability Festival is about keeping that momentum going, what else can we do? What small changes add up? And how can communities like Bass Coast continue to lead by example, while still having fun along the way? To learn more, go to thecap.com.au/sustainability-festival-2026.
Bass Coast Sustainability Festival
- Blue Gum Reserve
- 121 Settlement Road Cowes
- Parking at Cowes Public School and Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes
- Saturday 7 March 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Free, family-friendly and open to all
