Echuca Neighbourhood House Celebrates Solar Installation
Echuca Neighbourhood House is celebrating the installation of solar panels on its roof to save money on expensive power bills and contribute to the renewable energy transition. Echuca Neighbourhood House manager Sarah Peake said ENH [...]
Helping more families fight climate change in Bendigo
Ensuring more families can contribute to the fight against climate change has been the focus of a partnership between the Community Power Hub Loddon Mallee and Bendigo Community Health Services. Supported by Sustainability Victoria and [...]
The Bendigo Woollen Mill has signed up to a state government renewable energy program
Energy, Environment and Climate Change minister Lily D'Ambrosio has toured Bendigo's historic woollen mill to witness a major renewable energy project in action. The mill is one of five sites across the region to benefit [...]
Trentham goes even more green!
Trentham Golf Club has received grants totaling $20,429 for the installation at the clubhouse of two Tesla Powerwall batteries with a total storage capacity of 28kWh. The purpose of the batteries is to further reduce [...]
Community Energy Resilience Project – Venus Bay
Community Energy Resilience project at the Venus Bay Community Centre: Community Energy meets the People! The project has seen additional solar array added to our existing solar system, and a significant lithium battery. This means [...]
Solar and batteries power boost for clubs at Lucknow reserve
In a win for Lucknow’s community sporting groups, three Tesla Powerwall energy-storage batteries have been connected to the solar power system in the newly redeveloped Lucknow Recreation Reserve clubrooms. The three 14kW Tesla 2.0 Powerwall [...]
Heyfield Wetlands Information Centre – Heyfield pushes forward on renewable energy
The Heyfield Wetlands Information Centre became the latest community-owned facility in Gippsland to switch to renewable energy, with the official launch of a 13.32kw solar system. The event was on Tuesday April 12. The rooftop [...]
Coronet Bay Community Hall
Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting the community to celebrate the completion of the solar energy project at Coronet Bay Community Hall this month. The event will be held at the Hall (Gellibrand Street) on [...]
Community Energy Revolving Fund: YMCA Solar project
A GEELONG grassroots initiative to boost renewable energy infrastructure at local facilities has support from a state MP, with projects elsewhere in the region earmarked for future investment. Geelong Sustainability (GS) officially launched its Community [...]
MEDIA RELEASE: New solar installation on Yea Community Shed to reduce emissions and electricity costs
A new 11KW Solar PV system installed on the Yea Pottery Studio and the Men’s Shed will provide cheaper power bills and contribute to lowering carbon emissions in Yea. The installation was made possible by [...]
Media Release – Grampians Community Power Hub Launch
Grampians Community Power Hub Launch BREAZE Inc., lead partner on the Grampians Community Power Hub (CPH) is excited to announce the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio, will be launching the Grampians [...]
MEDIA RELEASE: Solar Pathway Lights up Yinnar Community
Solar lights installed in the Victorian town of Yinnar are lighting the way for the local community to access a popular sporting and recreation reserve. Until the lighting installation in February, the kilometre-long path linking [...]
Public Hall Sports New Solar Panels
The Gippy Bulk Buy community benefit donation, a 4.4 kW system, was installed last week on the Loch Sport Public Hall. An essential site for the community, Alan Hall Mayor of Wellington and a Loch [...]
Superpower! Ross Garnaut in the Latrobe Valley
Hub host, the Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN) recently hosted Prof. Ross Garnaut, research fellow in economics at the University of Melbourne and Australia’s leading thinker about climate and energy policy. In his presentation Ross [...]
Solar Donated to Regional Community Hall
The Loch Sport Public Hall will be upgraded with a 4.4 kW solar system as part of the Latrobe Valley Community Power Hubs Gippy Bulk Buy program and community solar donation model. The Minister for [...]
Premier’s Sustainability Awards Finalist!
Over the last 2 years the Community Power Hub program had been exploring new ways of supporting Victorian communities to access the technical skills and expertise required to develop and deliver community-based renewable energy projects. [...]
Success for some of our project partners!
We are so proud of our part in the three projects that had funding announced for solar: $49,500 grant to install a 40 kW solar PV system at McCallum Disability Services on Tuesday. Almost $8,000 for [...]
Brighter future if 2018 trends are anything to go by
It is great to start 2019 feeling inspired about the future of clean energy. Good article from Renew Economy. https://reneweconomy.com.au/10-hot-trends-shaping-australian-clean-energy-10497/
Renewables – our future!
This Guardian article provides a nice summary of some of the great renewables initiatives across Australia including nearby Hepburn Wind
Solar-lit Footpath Brings Community Together
Can you imagine the atmosphere generated by a rural community walking together on their way to support their local football match, knowing they will be able to walk safely home again along a solar-lit path? [...]
Community Power Hub Bendigo installs and operates 2 x 30kw community funded Solar PV Systems
Community Power Hub Bendigo raised over $60,000 by donations for two solar roof top projects during May and June 2018. CPHB scoped, tendered and project managed the installation of 30kw solar PV on Eaglehawk Badminton [...]
Doing More on Climate Change Global, National and Local
The headline in this article asks Why aren't we doing more about Climate Change? And I am sure that many of you have asked the same question. And there is plenty to be done on a [...]
Choice article on getting started with solar
The financial, environmental, aesthetic and community impacts of solar can be hard to measure for those of us who want to 'do the right thing' but find some of the information difficult to understand. Others [...]
Gippsland Climate Change Network and Annual General Meeting
Come along and hear from Karen Cain, CEO for the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) about the successes and challenges so far. Stay for the GCCN Annual General Meeting and Election to learn more about some [...]
What is your best sustainable Christmas decoration idea?
I was making an appointment the other day and the person said 'what about 5th December?' 'But that is nearly Christmas!' Yes, only about eight weeks away'. So with Christmas in mind, I wondered how [...]
AFL Clubs see the sense of solar
I know that it is a bit after the fact in terms of the game, but it is interesting to think of how much money sporting clubs can make (particularly community clubs) if they can [...]
You might be eligible for reimbursement on your household solar installation
Did your household have solar panels installed on or after August 19? If so, you can now apply for a Solar Homes rebate via the Solar Victoria website. According to Energy Matters, eligible applicants can now receive half the cost [...]
Project #5 Agriculture meets Manufacturing
A potential farmer’s cooperative is, with the support of Victorian and local government, preparing a feasibility study for the harvesting of straw (stubble left after grain harvesting) and supplying as a thermal energy source to [...]
Project #5 Agriculture Meets Manufacturing
A potential farmer’s cooperative is, with the support of Victorian and local government, preparing a feasibility study for the harvesting of straw (stubble left after grain harvesting) and supplying as a thermal energy source to [...]
GridEdge Energy Storage Systems
Our colleagues in the Latrobe Valley reported on this new energy storage system and we thought that we would pass it on. GridEdge Energy Storage Systems GridEdge supply an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, a non-toxic sodium-nickel [...]
Gippsland Councils Embracing Change within their own Backyards
Local councils around Australia are facing the challenges of maintaining valuable services, promoting growth and finding local solutions to the unique challenges they face. In Gippsland, local governments are taking action to be more energy [...]
Project #7 Mollongghip and District Community Power
The community has had a number of meetings and workshops since February this year to determine what is their vision for community renewable energy, the types of applications and potential ownership structures. A committee has [...]
Project #4 Coghills Creek Community Hall
Coghills Creek Community Hall Community Power Hub Ballarat has completed the feasibility study for the Coghills Creek Community Hall for a 6.5kW PV system. The Coghills Creek Progress Association are now seeking funding for its [...]
Project #3 Ballan Community Centre
Ballan Community Centre The Ballan Community Centre Solar Power installation has completed its feasibility study and business case and installation of a 6.6kW PV system with some energy efficiency measures will be funded by Hepburn [...]
Project #2 Ballarat General Cemetries
Ballarat General Cemeteries Ballarat General Cemeteries is a not for profit organisation providing the care of Ballarat’s extensive Cemetery, Chapel, Crematorium and historic gardens. Its electricity and gas supply charges are significant operating expenses. The [...]
Project Update #1 McCallum Linen
McCallum Linen Combined Solar and Wood Waste Power McCallum Linen currently supplies a large number of accommodation facilities in the Ballarat Region with laundered bedding and towels. This social enterprise, which provides people with special [...]
How does Central Highlands stack up in the climate change debate?
When we feel passionate as many of us do about something as fundamental as energy and how we get it, store it and use it, it can be hard to understand why there are still [...]
Ballarat Community Power Hub involved in Waste to Energy Facility
Ballarat Community Power Hub is very proud to be involved in the very important initiative written about in The Courier - Waste to Energy. “The last thing we want to see is a politician make an announcement [...]
Thinking About Getting Solar Panels?
So you have seen a few adds pop up for solar panels. Maybe you have heard about the Gippy Bulk Buys Scheme. Either way, you are interested in solar but have no idea if it [...]
Paid Position Available – Latrobe Valley Hub
Do you have experience or skills that would benefit an administrative position? Want to become a member of a friendly and dynamic team who supports the growth of local communities? The Gippsland Climate Change Network [...]
Home owners undertaking ‘green’ upgrades over aesthetic upgrades to their homes
Australian product comparison site Mozo reports that when it comes to home improvements and renovations, home owners are going for green upgrades over the more aesthetic change. They say that ‘green’ upgrades accounted for 37% of [...]
Reinventing Power
This American article includes a couple of short videos from the film Reinventing Power that aim to address the fear associated with new ideas such as renewable energy. It is worth watching and asking your [...]
Mars Australia goes Solar!
This isn't really a story of community power, but it is a story that includes a local icon - MARS, and we applaud renewable energy! https://www.c-store.com.au/2018/05/31/mars-australia-goes-solar/
CPH Bendigo projects were officially launched
The first projects for the Community Power Hub Bendigo were officially launched this morning by the Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and it was a media interviewing frenzy. Businesses and individuals within the community [...]
So interesting to see our renewables situation from someone outside Australia
Great story from CNet about a small Australian town, (Tyalgum) going off the grid. I urge you to read it!
Feasibility into Solar Gardens which could benefit tenants and apartment owners
Recently we included an article about people renting being able to access solar panels in conjunction with the landlord to make solar power and their benefits of reduced bills, now an article in The Australian [...]
Ever wondered which Victorian suburbs have the most rooftop solar panels?
Rooftop solar panels are growing in number! In 2001, 118 solar panel installations occured, in 2017 there were 170,710! More information about that here. But if you are wondering how much of the solar boom is [...]
Solar for Renters launched today
We have posted about a potential scheme to ensure that tenants can access solar plans on their rental accommodation. Today, 'Solar for Renters' Plan was launched in Moreland. Let's hope that an initiative like this can [...]
Energy Efficiency more popular than puppies!
https://reneweconomy.com.au/energy-efficiency-more-popular-than-puppies-and-coal-70811/
Australia’s renewable energy capacity is set to exceed a target the Federal Government said was impossible to reach
Australia's renewable energy capacity is set to exceed a target the Federal Government said was impossible to reach by 2020, according to new research from Green Energy Markets. This report has some good news about [...]
Great article on Community Power on Landline 8/4/18
A great feature on ABC Landline today regarding community self-funded energy projects For those of you who missed it here is the link > https://iview.abc.net.au/programs/landline#
Ballarat’s First Project Fully Funded
And now ..... Ballan Community House (the out of town community centre we refer to below) has got the necessary funding to proceed! CPH Ballarat connected the Ballan Community House to local community wind farm [...]
You can put those candles away – New battery to be built in Ballarat to provide power during blackouts
One of two renewable energy batteries will be built in Ballarat to provide power during blackouts. The other will be built in Gippsland. Here is an interview about it including BREAZE Chairman Ian Rossiter. [...]
Community vital to Australia’s shift to renewables
We know that community is a vital ingredient to Australia's shift to renewables. That is why we are part of the Community Hub Project and why we are talking to community about different renewable energy projects that [...]
A Great Day To Energise Gippsland!
Local community groups and interested organisations recently attended the “Let’s Energise Gippsland” seminar in Morwell. The day concentrated on discussing global energy trends with a local focus. The new Latrobe Valley Community Power Hub, aims [...]
Why launch a community energy project at Ballarat General Cemeteries?
Community Power Hub Ballarat had its official launch yesterday at Ballarat General Cemeteries in Doveton Street North. Why launch a community energy project at a cemetery? CEO Ballarat Cemeteries Annie De Jong explains “ The [...]
Launch of CPH Ballarat
CPH Ballarat will be launched today, 21 March 2018, at the Ballarat Cemetery, site of one of its most exciting projects. Here is the CPH Media Release 20 Mar 18 and look out soon for photos [...]
Mollongghip gets inspired about community energy
The wonderful community of Mollongghip had their first Community Energy Workshop with Community Power Hub on Wednesday 14th March. Forty-three people attended There was lots of brainstorming, listening, talking and inspiration in the room. We [...]
Community Energy Storage scheme in Mandurah gets a big yes.
A Western Australian suburb south of Perth is set to trial a community energy storage scheme that will allow solar households to store their excess rooftop generation in a shared battery, installed locally. Now that [...]
Simon Holmes à Court talks about the outlook for renewable energy
As Founding Chair, Simon Holmes à Court was instrumental in Hepburn’s Community Wind Farm – Hepburn Wind in 2011. He now spends his time and considerable skill and knowledge as senior advisor to the Energy [...]
Community Power Hub Bendigo advisory group meeting
The 4th Pilot Community Power Hub Bendigo's (CPH Bendigo)'s Advisory Group meeting was held on Monday 26 February. The meeting saw representatives from 11 of the 12 organisations involved in the hub attend and contribute [...]
Read about our project in the news
We have been in the news. Read here about our project. It is early days, but we are so excited about the projects that come our way. Just some of which include: Solar and wind generation [...]
Feasibility Studies Begin at Latrobe!
Two site visits were made today to look at possible locations for solar farms. The sites were in Warragul and Longford and now a desktop study will be commenced to determine connection capacity, cost and [...]
Simon Corbell and Panelists to discuss Future Energy Options for Gippsland
Simon Corbell - the Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate - will be presenting information about renewable energy options for Gippsland. This is part of the launch of the new Strategic Plan for GCCN and is a [...]
Renewable sector to thank for jobs boom in regional Australia
A jobs boom is sweeping across regional Australia and there’s one industry to thank – the renewable energy sector. From places like Gordon in southern Tasmania to Pindari in north-east NSW, new solar installations, windfarms, battery [...]
A possible solution to the question of renters who miss out on solar generated power
Please read this exciting article trying to find a solution to renters having access to solar panels on their rented house. Rarely on offer because the landlord pays for installation and the tenants reap the [...]
Alternative Technology Association gives general support for new solar feed-in tariffs
In order to keep Australian households interested in alternative technology we need to make sure they understand decisions that are made which impact on those same households. This article from the Alternative Technology Association explains [...]
There has never been a better time to talk with your community about community energy projects
Community energy projects need people; and not just people, but people who are willing to get involved with the project, promote the project in the community, perhaps influence attitudes… Sounds hard? Last year, Sustainability Victoria [...]
And we are off! The Community Power Hub Project
Last Friday Sustainability Victoria officially announced the Community Power Hub project for regional Victoria. We are proud and excited to be involved in this project with our friends at Bendigo and LaTrobe Valley. To stay up - [...]
Two Australian Schools Powered Solely by Green Energy
At a time when we are getting really excited about community energy and exercising our minds on how to collaborate with our community to create energy projects - this lands in our inbox. Do you [...]
Wanted: Pension and Health Care Card holders for Energy Audits in Latrobe and Baw Baw
Those in the Latrobe Valley & Baw Baw area, do you have a Pension or healthcare card. Do you want to see where you can save money on your energy. Take the opportunity for a [...]
Latrobe Valley Community Powerhub Kicks Off!
The first of the three SV-supported Community Power Hubs has kicked off with the Inception Meeting for the Latrobe Valley Community Power Hub in Morwell. Twenty-eight skilled and committed people plotted and planned how to [...]
Minister launches Community Power Hub
The Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio MP Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change officially opened the Community Power Hubs Bendigo and Ballarat.
CPH Bendigo establishes Advisory Group
Bendigo Sustainability Group who is hosting Community Power Hub Bendigo (CPHB) held a series of workshops to set up its advisory and working groups. At this stage CPHB is concentrating on behind the meter (BTM) [...]
Ceramet launches new single tracker solar panel system
Ceramet Solar at Bridgewater, just north of Bendigo launched their new single tracker solar panel system. Its been designed and built with a Ceramet team. The system enables a 20% improvement in the solar light [...]
EV Solar Charging Station opens in Bridgewater
Maree Edwards Victorian Member of West Bendigo opens the new EV Solar Charging Station at Ceramet Solar Bridgewater. There are 8 electric car charging bays and at this stage its free to use. Designed and built [...]