By Mikayla van Loon
In an exciting first for the Yarra Ranges, a major event to encourage, educate and inspire people to embed sustainable and renewable practices into their daily lives is coming in March.
Repower Festival will be an opportunity for people from across the region to engage with experts, look at technology and check out the latest electric vehicles all in one place.
Heading to Monbulk on Sunday 23 March, the event aims to address reservations home owners or renters might have about investing in electrification, renewables or other sustainable practices.
Stemming from a “passion to positively shape the future of our communities”, Repower The Dandenongs was inspired by events of a similar kind happening across the country.
Now, the combined effort of Healesville CORE, Yarra Ranges Council, MADCOW and Community Bank Monbulk has made “this festival happen” in the Yarra Ranges’ backyard.
“We saw an opportunity to share with our community the latest opportunities available to switch to renewable energy,” the groups said.
“An electrification movement has begun thanks to the availability of efficient electric appliances and the advocacy of groups like Rewiring Australia and Renew Australia for all.”
With misinformation rife when it comes to electrification and renewable energy, the groups aim to educate and reduce people’s fears.
“The expert speakers and exhibitors will help dispel these myths and show our community how easy and beneficial making improvements to our homes can be,” they said.
“By providing accurate information and practical guidance, we can break down barriers and alleviate fears making it more accessible and appealing to everyone.”
One of the most common misconceptions is the cost of renewable energy, whereas Repower hopes to change that perspective to being a cost-of-living saviour.
“Electrification has emerged as a solution to the cost of living crisis, contributing to greater sustainability and creating healthier homes.
“Solar power dramatically cuts electricity bills. Additionally, improving the energy efficiency of your home, such as through insulation, stopping draughts, switching to reverse cycle air conditioners or a hot water heat pump, and building with sustainable principles – can significantly reduce energy costs and enhance the comfort of our homes all year round.”
Despite the Yarra Ranges falling within the average for uptake of solar and batteries compared to other regions, the added concern of natural disasters makes the imperative of increasing this even greater.
“As one of the most disaster-prone areas in Australia, we risk falling behind and being unprepared if we don’t get organised and access funding opportunities, particularly for electrification.”
On the day, attendees will be able to hear from Hills locals Mel Cutler and Daniel Wurm on how they transformed their own homes to being sustainable, as well as home energy guru Tim Forcey who will give advice on how residents can save money on their power bills.
Monbulk Primary School, being a five-star sustainable school, will also be involved by creating a model of what the township might look like in the future.
“Our hope is that residents and families will have a great day out, enjoying live music, local food and drink vendors, EV and Ebike displays, and children’s activities, while also learning about ways to save money and enhance the comfort of their homes.
“Our goal is to demystify terms like ‘electrification’, ‘energy efficiency’ ‘resilience,’ and ‘sustainable building’, and to encourage those that attend to take the next step – whether that’s considering an EV or hot water heat pump for the first time, getting quotes to install solar, or making simple upgrades to improve home efficiency.”
As the inaugural event, the organising committee are busy working behind the scenes to bring as much as possible to the Yarra Ranges, building connections and engaging the best people.
“It’s been a great experience for like minded community groups from across the region to come together and collaborate on planning this festival.
“The event is shaping to be a great success in its first year, and we’re beyond excited.”
To find out more, visit repowerfestival.au or email repowerfestival@gmail.com
