A $50,000 grant from AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund provided to the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) has strengthened energy resilience in Alexandra, Taungurung Country.
The funding has delivered 40kWh of battery storage and an electric vehicle (EV) charger, complementing the site’s existing 45kWh solar system and enabling the TLaWC Alexandra office and community complex to continue operating during power outages.
The community energy upgrade was officially launched last week with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country led by Taungurung Elder and TLaWC Cultural Lead, Aunty Jo Honeysett.
AusNet Energy Resilience Community Fund Manager Kim Sullivan said the project delivers real, practical benefits for the local community.
“This upgrade means TLaWC can stay open and connected during power outages, supporting both community services and emergency response and keeping Taungurung people on country.”
“The new EV charger will use excess solar generation and adds much needed local charging capacity, as one of only two EV chargers in Alexandra,” Ms Sullivan said.
The importance of reliable onsite power was highlighted during recent fires in the region, when the site provided a safe place for people to stay connected, charging phones and devices, supporting coordination efforts and ensuring continuity of essential community services.
The Alexandra site is a culturally safe workplace, meeting place and community gathering space for Taungurung people, supporting a return to Taungurung Biik (Country) and strengthening wellbeing and self determined community services.
Located next to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) regional office, which plays a critical role during emergencies, the site also supports the wider Alexandra community. Local groups including the Alexandra Community Shed and the Eildon and Districts Woodworkers Guild regularly use the facilities.
The Energy Resilience Community Fund backs locally led, locally delivered projects, turning community identified energy priorities into practical action.
“Local generation and storage helps communities stay safe and connected, keeps essential organisations operating and enables them to recover faster during outages and emergencies,” Ms Sullivan said.
Since its establishment in February 2024, AusNet’s $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund has delivered $8.3 million in grants and donations to communities across AusNet’s electricity distribution network.