The Big Give is an event supporting central Victorian community groups. The Bendigo Advertiser will be profiling several of the registered campaigns each week until the initiative ends with a 24-hour giving day on September 1. 

In 2010, the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group built a self-contained, mobile unit to service public events.

The Wash Against Waste trailer is solar powered, with built-in hot water heating and grey water outlets.

Food waste is collected for compost.

Reusable crockery and cutlery, washed and sanitised on site, is provided in a trailer kit. 

The trailer is estimated to save enough carbon dioxide emissions per day to equal travelling from Canberra to Brisbane in an average car, the MASG said. 

The group said the trailer is the first of its kind.

“The trailer has a track record of creating zero waste events, and we would love to see the service grow and be replicated to support events across the region to achieve zero waste targets.” MASG chair Mick Lewin said.

But there is more that needs to be done to continue its growth. 

“The Waste Against Waste Trailer Service currently does not have enough licensed operators or volunteers to meet requirements which is restricting its use,” Mr Lewin said. 

“It requires a dedicated part-time coordinator to train these and to grow the use of the trailer”.

The MASG has launched a Big Give campaign to help achieve its goal of making the Wash Against Waste Trailer Service a self-sufficient social enterprise. 

At least $10,000 is sought to get the project started.

The Big Give is a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting causes that give back to the community. 

It started on August 1 and ends with a community giving day on September 1, when registered campaigns stand to win a share in a $30,000 prize pool. 

In addition to funding a part-time co-ordinator, MASG will use the campaign funds to develop an education kit and handbook; deliver licensed operator training sessions; and promote the service.

MASG said on its campaign page it would negotiate with regional councils to provide broader licensed operator training, which would create paid work on the trailer. 

The handbook will discuss trailer set up and pack up and volunteer engagement.

The education kit will include information for schools and community groups on water use, waste reduction, compost and grey water processes.

It will also provide an introduction to solar and renewable energy.

MASG said the kit would act as a blueprint for local governments to access and replicate.