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UNSW SMaRT Centre Director Prof Veena Sahajwalla delivered a talk at the Regional Futures Forum 2026, hosted by Regional Development Australia Murray and Charles Sturt University.
As keynote speaker, Veena highlighted that using innovations such as SMaRT's various waste to feedstock and product technologies, are central to help create regional jobs as well as environmental and social benefits.
She highlighted the benefits and gave examples of SMaRT's scalable, modular MICROfactorieTM technologies that recover valuable materials from waste and reform them into new manufacturing feedstock and products, creating circular economies and enhancing sovereign capability while reducing reliance on global supply chains.
Veena said: “A key element of climate action is ensuring far greater sustainability for our existing waste and recycling management, and ensuring we start using waste as a valuable resource for remanufacturing, helping to create circular economies.”
“The growing recognition of the importance of recycling innovations - like our very own UNSW SMaRT Centre MICROfactorieTM Technologies - is often a missing element of the economic and climate action narrative.”
“Instead of relegating waste to landfills, incinerators or stockpiles, it can help achieve decarbonisation by being used as a resource, thus driving innovation, supporting local industries, creating jobs while delivering environmental and social benefits.
"True sustainability demands we harness this potential and transform waste into a resource stream for advanced manufacturing.”
Charles Sturt University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Neena Mitter (pictured left below) reported: "Over the past two days, it was a privilege for Charles Sturt University to host the Regional Futures Forum Regional Development Australia Murray at our Albury-Wodonga campus.
"A highlight was the session by Roy Green on Future Made in Australia, reinforcing that regions will be central to delivering national ambition through innovation, manufacturing and sovereign capability. The strong regional lens, guided by Sarimah Hellyer , underscored the importance of place-based approaches and connected ecosystems.
"We also heard from Liz Ritchie, who brought a national perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping regional Australia. An inspiring contribution from Veena Sahajwalla AO highlighted the role of circular economy innovation and how rethinking waste can create new industries and opportunities for regional communities.
"The panel featuring our Vice Chancellor Renée Leon brought a sharp focus to workforce and skills—critical enablers if regions are to realise emerging opportunities. An important reminder came through the session led by Lee Baumgartner, highlighting that water remains fundamental to regional sustainability, productivity and resilience.
"We also heard a compelling address from Cathy McGowan, emphasising the power of community-led leadership and trust in shaping regional futures.
"I was particularly encouraged by the depth of conversation around translating these priorities into impact—through research, partnerships and innovation. We are proud to have hosted this important at our campus forum and look forward to strengthening our collaboration to deliver research that is place-based, impactful and globally connected.
"The message was clear: regions will not just participate in the future—they will lead it."
Event organisers said:
The Regional Futures Forum is designed to help regional leaders, industry, government, and decision makes, step back and see the big picture: to understand how global forces and government priorities are reshaping markets, how regional industries must evolve in response, and where the real opportunities lie for growth, diversification and leadership.
It is a flagship two-day event helping shape a bold, connected, and sustainable future for regional Australia. It’s about equipping regions not just to host this change, but to lead it — shaping new energy futures, exploring new markets, and building resilient regional economies that are central to Australia’s future prosperity.
Featured Speakers
- Bernard Salt AM, Why the future of Australian productivity depends on the regions
- Cathy McGowan AO, The Power of Regional Leadership
- Prof. Veena Sahajwalla AO, Circular Economies and Regional Innovation
- Prof. Roy Green AO, Let's Talk About Future Made in Australia
- Prof. Lee Baumgartner, Why The Future Depends On Water
- Liz Ritchie, Big Picture & Key Trends for Regional Australia
- Ben Finkel, Hands-On and Interactive AI
- Prof. Renee Leon, Workforce and securing the skills to power regional growth
- Sabiene Heindl, Preparing for the energy transition
- Col. Charmaine Benfield, Building Australia's Sovereign Capability
- Ross Dixon and Andrea Cook, Planning a Path Forward for Regional Manufacturers