Forty-seven councils and community groups across Victoria will receive close to $1.7 million from the final round of AusNet's Energy Resilience Community Fund (ERCF).
AusNet Executive General Manager Distribution, Andrew Linnie, said that with warmer and drier conditions heading into summer, the grants will help communities prepare for emergency events.
"These ERCF-funded projects will help support trusted local community hubs, with solutions that will keep lights on, phones charged, food and medicines refrigerated and essential services operating during prolonged power outages and emergency events," said Mr Linnie.
Funding from AusNet will also help community organisations manage energy costs and adopt more sustainable energy solutions.
$1.5 million of funding went towards Energy Resilience grants, with $136,000 provided for Education and Literacy grants.
"Through the Energy Resilience Community Fund, AusNet has supported the creation of almost 140 community resilience hubs and mobile assets, with many operational and ready for community use now and in future emergency events," said Mr Linnie.
AusNet established the $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund following a severe weather event in 2024, which significantly impacted the electricity network.
ERCF final round recipients by Council area are outlined below:
Alpine Shire (3 projects totalling $125,170)
Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre
Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre will receive $40,000 for a 50kVA diesel generator and automatic transfer switch to keep its kitchen, refrigeration and food preparation operating during outages. Beside Mount Beauty's Safer Place of Last Resort, the Centre will provide meals, practical assistance and a safe space for residents, emergency services and recovery agencies during outages and extreme weather events.
Mount Beauty Pharmacy
Mount Beauty Pharmacy will receive $39,170 to install solar and battery storage, enabling the Pharmacy to maintain operations during outages. The system will protect insulin, vaccines and other refrigerated medicines. Serving the Kiewa Valley, Falls Creek and local nursing home, the project will also enable continuity of health care while reducing emergency travel.
Porepunkah Public Hall and Porepunkah Public Reserve
Porepunkah Public Hall and Porepunkah Public Reserve will receive $46,000 to install battery storage alongside existing solar and add Starlink. As a trusted gathering place and Victoria Police meeting point, this funding will enable the Hall to maintain lighting, refrigeration, charging, amenities and communications during outages and extreme weather events.
Benalla Rural City (1 project totalling $24,948)
Waminda Community House Benalla
Waminda Community House Benalla will receive $24,948 to install solar panels and battery storage, creating an energy-resilient hub for Benalla West. The Funding will enable the Community House to continue to provide a safe gathering space, communications, device charging, referrals and practical support for residents during outages and extreme weather events.
Cardinia Shire (2 projects totalling $93,324)
Fernlea Community Care Pakenham
Fernlea Community Care Pakenham will receive $50,000 to install a hybrid backup system with a diesel generator, battery bank and inverter at the Community House Hall. As Emerald's only central indoor relief facility, the Hall will maintain lighting, refrigeration, meals, showers, laundry, heating, cooling, communications and charging during outages and emergencies.
St Lukes Anglican Church Foodstore Cockatoo
St Lukes Anglican Church Foodstore Cockatoo will receive $43,324 to install solar and battery storage, which will enable them to continue to refrigerate food, provide hygiene services and charge devices for people in Emerald, Avonsleigh, Cockatoo and Gembrook during outages and emergencies.
Casey Shire (1 project totalling $29,000)
Cannons Creek Foreshore Reserve
Cannons Creek Foreshore Reserve will receive $29,000 to install a standby generator, enabling its community facility to operate as a local resilience hub during outages, flooding, storm surge, bushfire and severe weather. The generator will power lighting, communications, internet and charging. It will support volunteer coordination, giving residents, particularly older people, families and those with power-dependent health needs, a safe place to obtain information, welfare support and practical assistance.
East Gippsland (4 projects totalling $135,431)
Bemmbowen – Bemm River
Bemmbowen – Bemm River will receive $46,788 to install solar and battery storage at Bemm River Hotel, the township's designated Neighbourhood Safer Place and only whole-community venue. During outages and emergencies, the system will power lighting, refrigeration, food preparation, phone charging and essential amenities for the community and emergency services. This will create a safe connected refuge for this remote community, which was isolated for two weeks during the 2019–20 bushfires.
Community Centre Swifts Creek
Community Centre Swifts Creek will receive $26,051 to install solar, battery storage and a backup generator. As the southern Omeo District's only Neighbourhood House, the Centre will maintain food relief, Wi-Fi, charging facilities, communications, showers, kitchen facilities and support services during outages and extreme weather events.
Lake Tyers Beach Community Hall
Lake Tyers Beach Community Hall will receive $25,000 for a backup generator, completing its solar, battery and electric vehicle charging upgrade. A Council nominated support service, the rebuilt Hall includes a commercial kitchen, showers and baby-change facilities. The generator will maintain essential amenities and provide residents, visitors, community groups and the neighbouring school with reliable respite during outages and extreme weather events.
The Marlo Hotel
The Marlo Hotel will receive $37,592 to install a backup generator and changeover switch. The system will power cooking facilities for meals, refrigeration, cooling, showers, communications, devices and electric vehicle charging during outages and extreme weather events.
Indigo Shire (1 project totalling $48,999)
Chiltern Recreation Reserve
Chiltern Recreation Reserve will receive $48,999 to install rooftop solar and battery storage, so it can provide power during outages and extreme weather events. The system will power lighting, communications, refrigeration, heating, cooling, device charging, medical devices and emergency equipment. As a widely used sporting, event and relief venue, the Reserve will become an accessible energy-resilient hub for residents, visitors, community groups and emergency agencies.
Latrobe City (1 project totalling $18,163)
Churchill Neighbourhood Centre
Churchill Neighbourhood Centre will receive $18,163 to purchase four portable generators, six solar-panels and mobile resilience assets. The mobile equipment will power refrigeration, the kitchen, lighting, communications and devices. This system will protect vital food supplies and support older people, families, isolated residents and people experiencing hardship across Churchill, Yinnar, Boolarra and nearby towns.
Mansfield Shire (6 projects totalling $254,821)
Eisner's Pharmacy, Mansfield
Eisner's Pharmacy, Mansfield will receive $46,884 to install solar and battery storage which will provide power during emergency events and power outages. The back-up system will protect vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines while also enabling the pharmacy to continue operating. As the sole medicine supplier to Mansfield District Hospital and local aged-care residents, this funding will enable the pharmacy to maintain continuity of care and access to medicine.
Goughs Bay Area Progress Association
Goughs Bay Area Progress Association will receive $46,945 to install solar panels, battery storage, a changeover switch and telecommunications upgrades at the Goughs Bay Boat Club. The microgrid-capable system will provide power, internet, device charging and emergency coordination, transforming this site into an emergency hub for the community during power outages and emergency events.
Mansfield Autism
Mansfield Autism will receive $50,000 to install a generator, complementing existing solar and battery storage. Backup power will maintain heating, cooling, food preparation, security, communications and safe daily operations for autistic children, young people and families. With accessible cabins, residential accommodation and a commercial kitchen, the property can also support the wider community during emergencies.
Mansfield Medical Clinic and Mansfield Integrated Health Services
Mansfield Medical Clinic and Mansfield Integrated Health Services will receive $43,997 to upgrade batteries with existing solar and generator for backup power. The upgrade will protect vaccine refrigeration, clinical software, communications, lighting and equipment during outages.
McCormack Park in Merrijig
McCormack Park in Merrijig will receive $23,161 to install solar, battery storage and a backup generator, enabling it to operate as an emergency hub during outages and extreme weather events. The system will power showers, cooking, refrigeration, lighting and device charging. As the only significant public space between Mansfield and Mt Buller, the community-owned Park will support residents, visitors, animals and livestock.
Merton Memorial Hall and Merton Recreation Reserve Pavilion
Merton Memorial Hall and Merton Recreation Reserve Pavilion will receive $43,833 to expand solar, battery storage and backup generation across both community hubs. The systems will power lighting, heating, cooling, kitchens and charging facilities. Building on their role during the recent Longwood fires, both sites will support residents, emergency services and people who require medical assistance.
Mitchell Shire (1 project totalling $40,650)
Wallan Fire Brigade
Wallan Fire Brigade will receive $46,650 to install a diesel backup generator which will enable the facility to maintain operations during outages. It will power appliance mobilisation, digital dispatch, lighting, communications and enable multi-agency coordination. The generator will preserve the station's role as an emergency hub where residents can access information and assistance during outages and emergencies.
Murrindindi Shire (5 projects totalling $187,664)
Alex Makes Meals
Alex Makes Meals will receive $50,000 for The Kitchen Yea to install a three-phase power, solar, battery backup and a generator changeover switch. The not-for-profit kitchen and resilience hub will operate independently during outages and emergency events, providing hot meals, food relief, refrigeration, charging, emergency communications and a safe gathering space.
Buxton Memorial Hall
Buxton Memorial Hall will receive $47,484 to expand solar, battery storage and generator connections for prolonged outages. The upgrade will power lighting, kitchens, hot water, charging, heating and cooling. As Buxton's only community facility, the Hall will provide communications, medicine refrigeration, power for medical devices, meals and potential overnight shelter, creating an emergency hub for the wider community.
Glenburn Hall
Glenburn Hall will receive $37,739 to install solar and battery storage, reducing energy costs and enabling the Hall to maintain operations during outages and emergency events. The system will power lighting, refrigeration, communications and meals. As the district's only gathering place and a proven emergency-services base, the Hall will connect residents and support local response efforts when needed.
Highlands Hall
Highlands Hall will receive $31,467 to install a generator, transfer switch and switchboard upgrade for use during outages and emergency events. During the 2026 Longwood Fires the Hall provided shelter, meals, communications, charging and welfare support for 11 days. This additional backup power will strengthen refrigeration, heating, cooling, coordination and support for residents, volunteers and emergency responders in the region.
Toolangi Castella District Community House
Toolangi Castella District Community House will receive $20,974 to install a battery storage system. During outages and emergency events it will power radio communications, laptops, lighting, essential equipment and the water-tank pump.
Nillumbik Shire (2 projects totalling $72,800)
Clean Energy Nillumbik
Clean Energy Nillumbik will receive $25,000 for three community videos 'Back Up and Running' to help households prepare for outages and extreme weather events. Using humour and local presenters, they will explain backup-capable solar and batteries and electric vehicles as household power. These videos will build community confidence and promote local Energy Resilience Centres.
Nillumbik SES
Nillumbik SES will receive $47,800 to install solar panels and battery storage, enabling them to maintain emergency response during outages and extreme weather events. The system will power dispatch, radios, incident management, lighting, gates and security. Protecting the SES's communications and control function will help crews respond faster and support recovery across Nillumbik and nearby communities.
South Gippsland Shire (2 projects totalling $58,442)
Lyrebird Arts Council Meeniyan
Lyrebird Arts Council Meeniyan will receive $50,000 to install battery storage with existing solar and a three-phase generator connection at the Lyrebird Arts and Meeniyan Mechanics Institute. The upgrade will maintain lighting, communications, refrigeration, cooking facilities and basic services during outages and extreme weather events, transforming this venue into an emergency resilience hub.
Port Welshpool Volunteer Coast Guard
Port Welshpool Volunteer Coast Guard will receive $8,442 to install battery storage, an inverter, controls and switchboard upgrades, to integrate with existing solar. Backup power will maintain marine rescue communications, coordination, lighting, charging and readiness during outages and extreme weather events.
Strathbogie Shire (4 projects totalling $184,996)
Euroa Showgrounds
Euroa Showgrounds will receive $44,515 to install solar and battery storage, providing backup power for lighting, internet, charging, refrigeration, showers, food preparation and accommodation. As a recognised Disaster Recovery Centre and CFA staging area, the Showgrounds will support residents, volunteers and emergency agencies during outages and extreme weather events.
Euroa Pharmacy
Euroa Pharmacy will receive $50,000 to install solar and battery storage, maintaining essential services during outages and extreme weather events. The system will protect insulin, vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines while enabling the Pharmacy to keep operating.
Footy for Climate Longwood
Footy for Climate Longwood will receive $49,389 to add battery storage and inverter upgrades to the Community Centre's solar system, enabling it to operate as an emergency hub. It will provide refrigeration, charging, kitchens, showers and refuge during outages and extreme weather events.
Gooram Soldiers Memorial Hall
Gooram Soldiers Memorial Hall will receive $41,091 to install a generator, connection point, backup battery, solar-ready infrastructure and Starlink internet. Alongside its firefighting water tank, the upgrade will strengthen backup power, communications, coordination and recovery for residents and emergency crews. This facility supported 300 volunteers and residents during the fires this year.
Towong Shire (1 project totalling $43,743)
Tallangatta Pharmacy and Post Office
Tallangatta Pharmacy and Post Office will receive $43,743 to install solar and battery storage, enabling it to maintain essential services during outages. The system will protect refrigerated medicines and vaccines while keeping the pharmacy operational.
Wangaratta Shire (1 project totalling $48,350)
Everton Hall and Sports Complex
Everton Hall and Sports Complex will receive $48,350 to install solar and battery storage, enabling it to operate as an emergency hub during outages and emergencies events. The backup power will maintain lighting, refrigeration, communications, charging and amenities for Everton and nearby rural communities.
Wellington Shire (2 projects totalling $45,186)
Gippsland Climate Change Network
Gippsland Climate Change Network will receive $11,000 to deliver Bright Sparks Wellington through a workshop and mobile school outreach using tREVa, The Renewable Energy Van. Students will explore electricity, renewable energy, emergency kits, household vulnerability, local challenges and clean-energy careers through practical activities. Reaching about 100 students and rural learners, the program will strengthen outage preparedness and community resilience.
Loch Sport Community Care
Loch Sport Community Care will receive $34,186 to install solar and battery storage at its food bank, protecting food relief during outages. Backup power will keep fridges and freezers operating, preventing spoilage of groceries, produce, meat and frozen meals. In this remote coastal community with one access road, the project will strengthen food security, service continuity and affordability.
Whittlesea Shire (1 project totalling $35,863)
Plenty Valley FM 88.6
Plenty Valley FM 88.6 will receive $35,864 to install an auto-start three-phase generator and automatic transfer switch, enabling it to maintain broadcasts during outages and emergency events. The system will power essential operations without volunteer intervention. This radio station is a 24/7 community station and a Victorian Government Emergency Broadcaster, reaching about 250,000 people.
Yarra Ranges Shire (4 projects totalling $144,640)
Caladenia Dementia Care
Caladenia Dementia Care will receive $23,000 to support people with dementia, carers, staff and volunteers in high-risk areas. Workshops, personalised plans and accessible resources will help maintain routines, refrigerated medicines, heating, cooling, communications and assistance during outages and emergencies. The education program will build carer confidence, improve service continuity and create a practical model for dementia and community support.
Reefton Rural Fire Brigade
Reefton Rural Fire Brigade will receive $39,972 to install a backup generator, completing its planned microgrid for Reefton and McMahons Creek. During outages, the station will provide charging, heating, emergency information and a safe place to connect. The project will strengthen brigade operations and resilience across both isolated communities.
Dr Dan's Medical Clinic in Monbulk
Dr Dan's Medical Clinic in Monbulk will receive $28,852 to install an automatic diesel generator, enabling it to maintain essential health services during outages and extreme weather events. Backup power will protect vaccines and medicines while enabling the clinic to operate lighting, IT, security, diagnostic equipment, defibrillators and cardiac monitoring. As Monbulk's only bulk-billing clinic and emergency refuge point, it will preserve care for more than 5,300 patients.
Selby Community House
Selby Community House will receive $30,000 to install solar, battery storage, hybrid inverters and a generator connection, enabling it to operate as an independent emergency hub. It will provide charging, internet, communications, emergency information, heating, cooling, food preparation and a safe gathering space for the community during outages and extreme weather events.
Education and Literacy projects delivered across AusNet's distribution network (4 projects totalling $99,663)
Children's Discovery
Children's Discovery will receive $24,840 for Resilience Ready, taking the portable GLOW House to libraries in outage-prone communities. Hands-on workshops will demonstrate blackout scenarios enabling participants to physically experience an outage scenario. Reusable kits, trained library staff and school programs will create an accessible learning resource expected to reach more than 1,000 people annually.
Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network
Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network will receive $25,000 for Youth Energy Ambassadors, equipping young people aged 18-25 as household energy helpers. Participants will learn about energy use, efficiency, heatwave safety, outage updates, emergency kits and preparedness. They will then share this information with families and community networks, strengthening household action.
RMIT
RMIT will receive $24,823 to deliver EmpowerGen, a digital energy-literacy program for young people aged 8-25 and their households, with a focus on culturally diverse communities. Co-designed videos, infographics and online tools will explain energy saving, safety, support services, heatwaves and outages. Supporting young adults with tools to strengthen practical, intergenerational household preparedness.
The Malpa Project
The Malpa Project will receive $25,000 for Malpa Young Doctors, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary school students, families and communities prepare for outages, extreme weather and emergencies. Through culturally safe activities, students will learn about emergency planning, food and water safety, heat health, renewable energy and household resilience. They will then share practical preparedness messages with their families and communities.