The Fusion Food and Culture Festival lit up Mills Park, Beckenham on 7–8 November 2025, celebrating the rich diversity of our community with music, food, and cultural experiences. The City of Gosnells raised the bar for sustainability by introducing a suite of initiatives designed to reduce waste and protect our environment. At the heart of this effort was a partnership with GO2CUP, whose reusable serve-ware system transformed the way food was served and how waste was managed.
What is GO2CUP?
GO2CUP is a local initiative with a clear mission: to co-create waste-free communities. Their reusable serve-ware system replaces single-use plastics with durable cups and containers, making large events cleaner and greener.
How the Programs Worked Together
The success of event’s sustainability efforts came from a combined approach:
Reusable Serve-ware Initiative
Thanks to $10,000 in funding from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Plastic Free Riverpark Program, all food vendors were encouraged to participate in the GO2CUP scheme.
- 82% vendor participation (32 out of 39 vendors)
- 9,000 reusable items used in 2025, up from just 400 in 2024
Better Waste Sorting and FOGO Collection
With fewer disposable items contaminating bins, the City was able to expand the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins available .
- 7,540 litres of FOGO diverted from landfill, compared to 700 litres in 2024
Volunteer-Managed Waste Stations
Six waste stations staffed by volunteers helped festival-goers sort their waste correctly, reducing contamination and improving recycling outcomes.
Containers for Change
Over 4,000 containers were collected, raising $400 for the Gosnells Bushfire Brigade, which is a a great example of turning waste into community benefit!
Why It Matters
These programs worked hand-in-hand to create a cleaner event footprint. By introducing reusable serve-ware, the City of Gosnells reduced plastic waste and improved the quality of organic waste streams, making composting more effective. This shift didn’t just cut down on single-use plastics, it also made other waste streams cleaner and easier to manage. Combined with volunteer support and container recycling, Gosnells 2025 Fusion Festival set a new benchmark for sustainable event management. With the community behind it, 2026 offers an exciting opportunity to push sustainable event practices even further.
