JODI’S JAM – August 2026

Starting the Jam with an update from The Winter Sleepout – the event received an additional $2,000 donation from the Rye Op Shop, bringing the overall tally generated to $25,197. Such an amazing result and a huge thank you to the Rye Op Shop for their further contribution towards Southern Peninsula Community Support to continue their incredible work and impact.

We started a voluntary 12 week trial designed to support businesses to reduce food waste sent to landfill through the use of a food waste dehydrator. The Program aims to help Council understand business usage patterns of the dehydrator, food waste reduction outcomes, operational considerations for commercial settings, and opportunities to inform future waste diversion initiatives. The results have been quite amazing, the volume reduction is up to 90% of the original mass which can then be added to our compost or to fertilise the garden.

I attended the B.I.T.E (Business. Innovation. Technology. Excellence) Business Conference at Mornington Racecourse and this year’s theme was Rethink, Reinvent, Reignite. I think the conference did all of those things. The keynote speakers were thoroughly engaging, there was a HUMANOID ROBOT and a panel of local business owners paving the way in rethinking, reinventing and reigniting how they operate and what they offer.

I also attended the CFMP Youth Homelessness Forum where we heard from local government, Lighthouse Foundation, and Fusion Mornington Peninsula. We heard directly from those working on the frontline, to better understand the experiences of young people facing homelessness in our community, and to discuss what a more effective, locally informed response might look like. It was great to see students from Padua College in attendance who asked questions around how they can support this space.

We trialled a ride to Hawkes Farm, which we’re excited to open up in the Sept Holidays. It’s such a beautiful ride and it’s agritourism at its best. A horse ride and thrice cooked chips – not a bad way to spend your day!

Mornington Peninsula Shire partnered with various businesses as part of the Region’s Small Business Festival. I attended two workshops: AI & Automation for Small Business: Save Time, Reduce Errors and Improve Profitability, hosted by Shannon at Smart Business Solutions and AI for Business: Where to start and Save Time, hosted by Steve at AI Academy. I’ve been personally reluctant to incorporate AI into my daily psyche, but I found really great nuggets of wisdom that I have implemented into the business, and had great results. However, I am extremely grateful to work in a field that will be hard pressed to be replaced by AI. While it can assist with background processes and efficiencies, it will never replace the experience and impact that being present and active outdoors has for our wellbeing; nor will it ever exceed genuine, personalised customer service and care.

Az and I were invited by Peach (Business and finance strategist) to be part of their Peach-opoly campaign. Essentially the components of the game involved money making, impact making, money management and money psychology. The campaign was the idea of brains trust – Steph Hanson (Productions). There were lots of laughs and it was a lot of fun! I will share photos once the campaign is launched. 

I attended the WIBMPF AGM (at Bass & Flinders Distillery) where all things AGM were agended. It was great to hear the strategic plan and future planning for the group. Exciting times ahead! 

We attended the official opening of the Rye Skatepark. The weather was perfect and the turnout was incredible. It’s been so lovely seeing the park so busy. Well done to everyone involved!

Az and I attended the Dress for Success Victoria – Ignite Her Future Gala at The Langham Melbourne. Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit charity that supports women on their journey to employment and economic independence. Every ticket sold for the gala helps empower women across Victoria with professional clothing, career support and the confidence to build brighter futures. Thank you to Shannon and the team and Smart Business Solutions for the invite and a wonderful night!

This month was full of interviews for our Camp Manager and Wellbeing Educator roles. We’re excited to have now filled both these positions. More to come on this soon. 

Finally we finished off August with Az and I exhibiting at the Frankston Business Chamber Business Festival. Similarly to the B.I.T.E conference, there was a great range of keynote speakers and panellists from a range of different businesses and charities. This was our first time attending this event and from all accounts it has evolved a lot. The exhibitor component was a major aspect to this event, more so than I’ve experienced at any other event. 

A big month!

 J ✌🏼