Winner of the Mt Alexander Shire Sustainability Hero Award 2025!

Green Goes the Grocer is Castlemaine’s local source for organic produce and earth-friendly essentials. Their business model proves that commercial success can align with strong environmental and social values. With zero-waste options, compostable packaging, and ethical sourcing, they support local growers and reduce environmental impact. Their collaborative approach includes working closely with suppliers, community groups, customers and staff to build a stronger local food system.

Finalists

Goodness Flour uses deliciousness to advocate for a more equitable, sustainable and healthy world. They mill flour and build community – slowly, thoughtfully, and with deep respect for grain and the people behind it. They source grain exclusively from Australian farmers healing their land and doing exceptional work – biodynamic, organic, or spray-free – and mill it fresh in small batches to create 18 varieties of nutrient-rich, wholegrain flour and baking pre-mixes that build bakers’ confidence. They use compostable packaging, have almost zero waste, favour heritage grain varieties and have designed supply logistics to deal with the challenges of grain stored without chemicals.

Note . Goodness Flour, survived the fires of January 2026 when they swept through their town of Harcourt. However the harrowing event has meant that the owner, is now reconsidering a new direction for her life. MANZWG wishes her well.

Like Butter is not only a finalist in the sustainability award, they also won the Business award for 2025values-driven Castlemaine-based design and manufacturing company with a steadfast commitment to ethically sourced Australian timber, innovative design, and playful functionality. They work to think through their resource use from start to finish, invest in product longevity and repair, and have embraced a degrowth business model and 4-day week. At the core is their design philosophy. Their KittaParts system is built around the idea that furniture should evolve with people’s lives, not end up in landfill when circumstances change. Every component is standardised and swappable, so customers can pull their shelving apart and reconfigure as needs change.

Note. Like Butter was the first company MANZWG focused on and interviewed for an article on our website. We are delighted that they have been officially recognised!