From cutting household energy bills to reimagining how communities live, travel and care for the environment, the Future Now Expo is inviting Sutherland Shire residents to step into the future.
Running from 10 February to 16 April 2026, the multi‑week Expo delivers a vibrant program of free exhibitions, workshops, expert advice sessions and special events, designed to help people discover practical ways to live more sustainably while saving money and building a more resilient community.
At the heart of the Expo is the Future Now Exhibition, an immersive and interactive experience developed by the Australian Museum and hosted at South Village Shopping Centre, Kirrawee. Open daily, the exhibition explores smart towns, clever homes and caring for Country while bringing together technology, design and traditional knowledge to show how positive change is already happening.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Boyd, said the Expo turns big sustainability challenges into everyday solutions people can use right now.
“The Future Now Expo is about making the future feel practical, achievable and local,” Mayor Boyd said.
“Whether it’s learning how to reduce energy costs at home, exploring new ideas for our suburbs, or inspiring the next generation, this Expo shows how small actions can add up to real change.”
Expert sustainability advice
A key feature of the Expo is the opportunity for residents to book free one-on-one consultations with sustainability experts at the South Village Shopping Centre forecourt.
Residents can book a 15‑minute tailored session to get advice on:
- Solar panels and battery storage
- Government grants and funding
- Sustainable house design and renovations
- Electric vehicles and charging
- All‑electric homes and energy efficiency
The sessions are ideal for anyone planning a renovation, new build, solar or battery installation, purchasing an EV, or looking to make small changes to reduce household bills.
Film, author talks and hands‑on learning
The Future Now Expo also features a special screening of Future Council, the latest film from award‑winning Australian filmmaker Damon Gameau (2040, That Sugar Film). The film follows eight children on an inspiring journey across Europe as they take their concerns about the planet from the streets into the boardrooms of some of the world’s most powerful companies. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion exploring how communities can drive meaningful change.
There will also be an author talk and discussion with Saul Griffith, engineer, entrepreneur and author of Electrify and The Big Switch. Saul is the founder of Rewiring America and Rewiring Australia, and a leading voice on electrification, decarbonisation and the policies needed to meet climate goals.
Nature‑focused workshops led by Kirsty Costa; award‑winning creator of the Weekend Birder podcast will run at Kirrawee Library+. Sessions include:
- A practical workshop on creating an environmental, community-focused podcast using affordable or free equipment, with tips on concept development, production and building an audience
- An interactive birdwatching workshop, introducing local bird species and showing how free phone apps can help people identify birds and connect with nature in everyday places
Sustainable Living Fair Day
The Expo culminates in a Sustainable Living Fair Day at Biddy Giles Reserve, Kirrawee, on Saturday 21 March from 9am to 1pm.
The family‑friendly event will transform the reserve into a hub of eco‑friendly ideas, hands‑on activities and community inspiration, featuring:
- Local sustainability stalls and community groups
- Interactive activities for all ages
- Information talks and expert sessions on solar, batteries, electrification, energy efficiency, climate action and electric vehicles
- Opportunities to connect with like‑minded locals and learn how to get involved
With expert guidance, hands‑on experiences and inspiring community stories, the Future Now Expo invites residents to explore how a more sustainable, affordable and resilient future is already within reach.
For the full program and bookings, visit: www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/futurenow
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