Bel Chellingworth – MC & Keynote Speaker on Circular Economy, ESG, & Sustainability & Waste
Inspiring Change Through Real Stories
Bel Chellingworth is an engaging MC and keynote speaker who brings warmth, humour, and heart to every event. Known for demystifying waste, recycling, and the circular economy, Bel connects audiences with practical, actionable ways to make a difference.
Whether she’s hosting a summit, delivering a keynote on ESG (Environment, Social, Governance), or leading a community discussion, Bel helps people see how small actions can lead to big impact.
About Bel
Affectionately known as a ‘Garbologist’, Bel has built her career helping organisations and communities understand what sustainability really means in practice. Her approachable style and wealth of on-the-ground experience make her an audience favourite - whether she’s in front of corporate professionals, local councils, or not-for-profits.
Bel is passionate about empowering people to move from awareness to action. Her talks aren’t about theory- they’re about real stories, local impact, and the steps that can be taken to drive positive environmental change.
Speaking Topics
Demystifying Waste, Recycling and the Circular Economy
Bel helps audiences unpack the buzzwords, myths and realities behind waste and recycling, showing how a circular approach can create value for business and community.
Circular Economy
From circular business models, sustainable packaging, procurement, food waste, construction and designing systems to reduce waste, Bel covers a wide array of topics and material types.
ESG and Business
With ESG and circular economy increasingly on the radar, and often a messy space, Bel breaks these down into how it can all work at a practical level, decoding responsibilities across government, industry, supply chains and individual organisations, where understanding people, places and processes are paramount!
Why Book Bel
- Authentic, relatable, and down-to-earth delivery that resonates with audiences
- Deep practical knowledge of circular economy and sustainability
- Experienced MC, facilitator and storyteller, skilled at keeping events flowing with professionalism, warmth and humour
- Versatile, and tailors every session to the audience - corporate, government, or community
- Leaves audiences energised, entertained, informed, and ready to take action.
Recent Engagements & Testimonials
Bel has hosted and spoken at a range of sustainability and community events, including:
- Circularity Stage of ReGen Expo,
- Woodford Folk Festival,
- Australasian Packaging Conference,
- Charitable Reuse Australia Conference,
- the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Building Day, and
- the Banksia Foundation Awards.
Ali Lawes, Event Director, ReGen Expo
Bel Emceed the Circularity Stage of our inaugural ReGen Expo, Australia’s only event covering the full circular resource supply chain.
She seamlessly and professionally kept our program flowing, tying each session together quickly, with her extensive knowledge of circular economy, natural stage presence and relatability.
Bel brought an undeniable warmth and joy to the role, which was apparent in our audience and speakers’ response and feedback. She reads the room, adapting her style thoughtfully between Welcome to Country, thought leaders and our Innovation Pitch Fest.
She was thoroughly prepared, energetic and held the structure throughout our event.
In the Media
Bel regularly contributes to discussions around sustainability and circular economy in Australian media. Her insights have been featured in TV, print, podcasts and radio.
Bel’s regular segment ‘Waste Not Want Not’ on ABC Radio Nightlife is broadcast nationally Fridays - facts, fun and sass a must!
Book Bel
Ready to bring energy, clarity and heart to your next event? Contact Bel to discuss your event needs or to tailor a talk for your audience.
Recent Speaking Events
MC Circularity Stage - Regen 2025
Bel Chellingworth emceed the Circularity Stage of Regen – Australia’s largest event connecting the entire materials value chain. From keynotes on policy and systems thinking, panels on real world projects, and even a Pitch Fest for circular entrepreneurs, the two day agenda draws people from industry, government and innovators, to collaborate and fast-track Australia’s transition to a circular economy.
The 2025 event was held 23–24 July 2025 at ICC Sydney. The Circularity Stage spotlighted design innovation, systems thinking, policy, and research, helping attendees rethink how circularity is embedded from the start. Sessions explored upstream approaches and featured leading voices shaping Australia’s circular future.
Waste at Woodfordia
We’re back chatting all things Waste at Woodfordia!
Bel teams up with Woodford Folk Festival legends Chris Shervey (Site Manager) and Craig Miller (Head of Garbology) to discuss Woodford’s history, last festival results, future ambitions, and how Woodfordians can do their bit.
DATE: 27 December 2024
Keynote at Australian Reuse Conference
Every Item Counts – Enabling a Modern Day Garbologist
Bel was invited by the CEO of Charitable Reuse Australia to deliver an inspiring, fun and insightful keynote on her experience with the sector….she had a blast – each story the uncut version!
DATE: 24 October 2024
Boomerang Labs
Beyond Recognition: Awards as Catalysts for Startup Growth & Engagement
Bel was invited by Boomerang Labs and the Banksia Foundation to share her advice in ESG and writing a strong Award application, based on her experience as an industry expert and awards judge.
Boomerang Labs is Australia’s first circular economy innovation accelerator for startup and scale up enterprises.
DATE: 15 August 2024
Banksia Foundation
Title: Information Session: 36th Banksia National Sustainability Awards
Bel was invited by the Banksia Foundation to share her advice in ESG and writing a strong Award application, based on her experience as an industry expert and awards judge.
The Banksia Foundation was founded in 1989, receiving national and international recognition as champions of sustainability.
DATE: 9 October 2024
Supply Chain Sustainability School Event - on the Expert Panel
Title: Spot the Greenwash
Text: Join Hayley Jarick, CEO of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, and Bel, as an expert panel member, chatting through the complexity of certifications, labels, ratings on everything from paper towel to steel.
Video coming soon. Insight and giggles guaranteed!
DATE: 27 August 2024
