ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The AORA Annual Conference is well established as the principal conference in Australia for the recycled organics industry. Each conference is a forum for education, discussion and networking related to Organics Recycling. It is also an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry.
The Annual AORA Conference features presentations, panels, Gala Dinner, Networking Function and equipment demonstrations. This is an opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain insight to the latest achievements in the Organics Recycling Industry.
The first AORA conference was held in 2013 in Sydney and is now run annually, rotating the location around Australia.
HOST ORGANISATION
The Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) works on behalf of its members to raise awareness of the benefits of recycling organic resources.
It aims to act as an advocate for the wider organics resource recovery and beneficial reuse industries, and to represent their views in a constructive dialogue with policy makers. The Association envisages an industry in which best practice is shared, standards are maintained and surpassed, and a positive contribution to safeguarding the environment is made.
The Association consists of a national Board of Directors which provides the strategic direction and governance/risk oversight of the Association. A National Executive Officer, who reports to the Board, administers the operations of the Association on a day-to-day basis. State committees provide local industry representation and services in addition to acting as a conduit of information and intelligence on state-based industry issues into the national Board and National Executive Officer. This structure works to provide a means of addressing state and national matters in a coordinated and effective manner.
2026 CONFERENCE THEME
Compost for Life. Saving our Soils.
In 2026, AORA shines a spotlight on the essential role compost plays in regenerating Australia’s soils, closing the loop on organics, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come. This year’s theme reflects the industry’s collective mission – to transform organic resources into life-giving soil solutions that nourish communities, agriculture, and the environment.
The AORA Annual Conference brings together processors, suppliers, researchers, policymakers, councils, and end users from across Australia’s Recycled Organics Industry. It is the premier forum for sharing innovation, tackling practical challenges, and strengthening the industry’s voice through collaboration and advocacy.
Building on insights from 2025, the 2026 program will dive deeper into the issues that matter most to our members – from policy reform and contamination management to technology innovation, compost quality, and end-market development. Delegates will hear directly from processors, agronomists, researchers, and industry leaders as we explore how compost and organics recycling can play a central role in restoring soil health, reducing waste, and driving circular economy outcomes.
Through expert presentations, technical sessions, success stories, and interactive panels, the 2026 Conference will deliver actionable insights for every part of the value chain – from community-scale composting to large-scale processing and agricultural application.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
The AORA Conference Organising Committee consists of industry professionals from across the sector. The Australian Organics Recycling Association thanks the committee members for their contribution to the event.
- Kurt Palmer, Pacific Materials Handling (Chair)
- Simon Humphris, Soilco
- Blake Almond, Circ Partners
- Roslyn Florie-George, Soilco
- Erin Ford, Repurpose It
- Veronica Dullens, rEvolve Services
- John McKew, Australian Organics Recycling Association
- Alex Hammett, Australian Organics Recycling Association
Thank you to our 2026 Conference Supporters
AORA would like to acknowledge our National Sponsors who play an active role in realising our vision:
