• 2019/2020 – We had a very virtual first and second year due to Covid-19, communicating with each other online after only meeting face-to-face a couple of times.

    • We set up our first website and Facebook page and started applying for grants.
    • We also interacted with other community energy groups online, joined the North East Community Energy Network (NECEN) and contributed to Helen Haines Local Power Plan.
    • We took advantage of Zoom to invite other people with experience in the area to help us understand more about the transition to renewable energy.

  • 2021 – 23 February, we were one year old! Along the way we received several grants for Yea:

    • Murrindindi Shire Council funded a Renewables Options for Yea paper which outlined the way forward for 2030Yea.
    • DELWP funded the development of digital resources related to Climate Adaptation which are available on the Resources pages on this website.
    • RACV Solar funded solar and batteries for the Yea Recreation Reserve as part of their Resilience in the Regions grants.
    •  A grant from the Victorian Government paid for solar panels on the Yea Men’s Shed/Pottery Studio. The batteries were later donated by RACV Solar.
    • We commissioned a study by ANU to determine whether a community battery would be beneficial to Yea. It was completed in December 2021.
    • By the end of the year, we had administered ten projects – total value for Yea – $194,000.

  • 2022 – Starting our third year:

    • We co-hosted a fantastic Community Sustainability Day in February to celebrate the solar PV and battery installations at the Yea Recreation Reserve. Thanks to RACV and RACV Solar for their generous contribution, we were on our way to 100% renewable Yea.
    • In April and May, we co-hosted with the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre, a series of three presentations – Promoting awareness and adaption to Climate Change – by leaders in their fields. The recordings are available under Resources.
    • We also launched our Home Energy Efficiency Advice service to help residents reduce power bills and make their homes more comfortable. Of course, this also helps to reduce Yea’s carbon emissions.
    • A grant from the NAB Foundation funded solar panels on the Pioneer Reserve.

We continue to pursue opportunities and grants for increasing local energy production with renewables. This includes a collaboration with RMIT to research the benefits of a microgrid for Yea. We have found that other groups who are further down the community energy path, have been very generous with information and suggestions. We feel part of a movement in our region.

Achievements Photo Gallery