Community Energy in Action – Venus Bay & Tarwin Lower

Over the past five years, the Venus Bay Community Energy Project has delivered practical, community-led initiatives that strengthen local energy resilience, reduce costs, and support a sustainable future – for and with our community.

Building a Centre of Energy Resilience

• Transformed the Venus Bay Community Centre into a resilience hub through:

  • Expanded solar array and battery storage

  • Backup generator and satellite communications

  • Full electrification of the building

• The Centre now operates as a critical community asset during outages and emergencies.

Community Energy Planning & Vision

• Delivered a Community Resilience and Reliable Energy Feasibility Study through community-designed workshops.

• Co-created a Community Energy Plan, providing a clear roadmap to guide future projects and investment across Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower.

Australia-First Community Electric Transport

• Established the Gippsland Community Transport Project, an Australian first.

• Introduced SUNNY, our community-owned electric mini-bus, now in its third year of operation. this initiative provides community transport options (using renewable energy and community power!!)

• Collaborative impact through a twin project in Sandy Point with SANDY, delivering renewable-powered transport across coastal communities.

Community Battery for Tarwin Lower

• Successfully attracted funding for a Resilience Community Battery at the Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve.

• Project currently underway, with completion expected in August 2026.

• The battery will deliver:

  • Improved community resilience

  • Reduced power bills

  • Savings for maintenance and decommissioning

  • Ongoing community benefit

Strategic Partnerships & Investment

• Developed a strong strategic partnership with Mycelia Renewables, focused on collaborative, community-centred energy solutions.

• Secured funding to deliver priority actions identified in the Community Energy Action Plan.

• Established productive and ensuring partnerships with Changing Weather, Coalition for Community Energy, Federation University,Ethical Fields, iMove Cooperative Research Centre, , La Trobe University, local and industry stakeholders and other community energy communities across Victoria and beyond.

Community Electrification Education

• Partnering with Gippsland Climate Change Network and Mycelia Renewables to support the delivery of the Community Electrification Education Program.

Energy Exchange Workshop Series

• Delivered a series of practical, accessible workshops funded through Mycelia Renewables:

  • Tune In – What’s driving your energy bills

  • Switch On – Easy energy efficiency wins

  • Plug In, Power Up – Electrification made easy

  • Charge Ahead – Solar, storage, rebates and roadmaps

  • Make a Connection – Connecting with local providers and getting answers to take the next step

Community is at the heart of everything we do – and there’s always more to accomplish on the community energy journey. Be a part of it – pop into the Centre any time to chat, keep up to date with our newsletter and socials, or let us know what you are interested in or want to be involved with.