THE Seymour Resource Recovery Centre has been recognised as one of Victoria’s leading community infrastructure projects, winning the Community Assets and Infrastructure (Projects $5 Million–$20 Million and Population Over 50,000) category at the 2025 LGPro Awards for Excellence.
Opened in May 2023, the $8 million centre represents a significant step forward in Mitchell Shire Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability and resource recovery. The centre has established itself as a benchmark facility for local government resource recovery centre operations with its stand-out design which has generated significant interest within the community.
With a strong focus on the circular economy and design features that encourage resource recovery, the centre provides an outstanding example of how waste education can be integrated into operational facilities.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said receiving this award was a proud moment for Council and the community.
“The Seymour Resource Recovery Centre is not just a modern waste facility—it’s a leading example of how waste can be managed as a resource to create a more sustainable and circular future,” he said.
“It has changed the way we approach resource recovery and education, helping us work toward our goal of diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.”
Designed to make recycling simple and accessible, the centre features a two-level, drive-through layout with dedicated drop-off zones for a wide range of recyclable materials and an education space for community workshops and school programs. A Reuse Shop selling second hand items that would normally end up in landfill will also be activated on the site in the coming months.
With reuse and recovery a priority for the centre, sustainable building practices were also used in the construction of the facility. It features an energy-positive 50kW solar system, rainwater harvesting for all of the site’s water needs, and the use of recycled and repurposed materials throughout the site.
The project received $600,000 in funding from the Victorian Government’s Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund and E-waste Infrastructure Grant, administered by Sustainability Victoria.
Cr Dougall said setting an ambitious goal to deliver a better practice waste and recycling facility has resulted in the delivery of a state-of-the-art resource recovery centre for Council and our community.
“Our community has told us they want to reduce their environmental impact and the amount of waste being sent to landfill. The facility’s design provides a positive experience for waste management, making it easier for people to recycle and to contribute to a more sustainable future,” he said.
The Seymour Resource Recovery Centre is the first facility to be constructed within the future Hilldene Employment Precinct, paving the way for longer term investment and job creation in the region.
The LGPro Awards for Excellence celebrate outstanding achievement and innovation in local government across Victoria. The awards were presented at a ceremony in Melbourne on Thursday, June 5.