5 minute read
Made amends
www.gippslandtimes.com.au
Microgrid workshop in Heyfield
Research Lead, Dr. Scott Dwyer of the Institute for Sustainable Futures, updating attendees at the workshop on project progress.
NOW approaching its final phase, the Heyfield MyTown Microgrid project team ran a community workshop on December 3 and 4 at Heyfield Memorial Hall. The aim of the MyTown Microgrid project is to help Heyfield understand the feasibility of a microgrid and other local energy solutions in the town, while making it easier and faster for other communities to follow in its footsteps. Hosted by the HCRC and with project team members in attendance from Wattwatchers and the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, the open invitation event featured a number of information and workshop sessions. It also heard a moving talk from Voices of the Valley founder Wendy Farmer on why Heyfield can be an inspiration to many other communities wanting to make energy work better for them. Since its inception, MyTown has conducted detailed technical analysis of multiple local energy options, identified the business models and partnerships that would be needed to enable them, supported the formation of a project community reference group, hosted webinars and other events to help increase energy literacy and engagement, and installed almost 100 Wattwatchers monitors for free in homes, businesses, and schools. This has allowed for a better understanding of the way energy is used and generated in the town, with community screens and outreach to local schools helping to educate and inform using the data that has been gathered. On Saturday, December 3, research lead, Dr. Scott Dwyer of ISF, took the audience through the iterative co-design process that the CRG has participated in and presented the technical analysis results. The technical analysis explored a number of different scenarios, but found that only one of them was able to help reduce energy bills for both solar and non-solar households. All the options were also expensive with additional risks due to the complex legal and regulatory frameworks that are relevant for microgrids. The project team also presented on several other local energy solution options that emerged as promising during the technical analysis and community engagement, including neighbourhood batteries, community energy retailers, and town-scale approaches to home electrification and energy efficiency. Sustainable Smart Town initiator and MyTown project lead, Julie Bryer of the HCRC said it was a promising two days. “My vision has always been for businesses and homes to share their excess solar and potentially generate income, that could then be reinvested in the community,” he said. “I think we are closer to making this happen.” With the project funding ending in June 2023, the MyTown project team is working on the final project milestones, while also looking beyond the funding period to opportunities for moving from feasibility to implementation. The project team will continue discussions with possible partners while seeking funding opportunities for the preferred local energy solutions for Heyfield. The MyTown project team will host another webinar in February 2023, to present the technical details of the feasibility results for those interested. Also being finalised is a web-based tool that will help other community energy groups in determining whether a microgrid or other local energy solution is right for them. MyTown has empowered and developed the knowledge of its locally recruited community reference group members to support the community’s vision. It will seek to continue their support activities through 2023 and beyond.
Attendees at the MyTown Microgrid Project Update and Business Model Co-design Workshop in Heyfield.
Photos: Contributed Wendy Farmer of Voices of the Valley speaking at the workshop.
MAFFRA Community Church Christmas Carols will be held in Victoria Park, Kent St, Maffra this Saturday (December 17) beginning at 5pm. Everyone is invited to come along to enjoy carols, children’s entertainment and a free barbecue. MAFFRA Neighbourhood House will close this Thursday (December 15, 2022) at 4pm for the school holidays. The house committee and management express best wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday season. Maffra Neighbourhood House will open for the 2023 year on Monday, January 30 2023. THE Maffra Anglican Church will hold a Childrens Christmas service on Friday, December 23 2023, beginning at 6pm. During this special service for children and families there will be opportunities for the children to dress up as a shepherd, wise man, Angel, Mary or Joseph, there are costumes for everyone.
Gipp ppsland Times and Maffra Rota y ry Club invite nominations for the Times and Rotary “Maffra Quiet Achiever”
In the categories:- Adult Quiet Achiever over 30 y/o, Junior Quiet Achiever under 30 y/o & Quiet Achiever Group
Nominees will have unselfishly contributed toward the well-being of their community and its people, alternatively have helped others in a community role, without seeking personal recognition or reward. Residents of Maffra, Briagolong, Tinamba, Stratford, Valencia Creek, Newry, Boisdale and Bundalaguah areas are eligible. Awards will be presented at Maffra’s Australia Day ceremony on 26 January, 2023
!SUPPORTED BY N OM I N AT I O N FOR M
I wish to nominate
Address............................................................................................................. I have attached details supporting my nomination. Post to: Maffra Quiet Achiever, P.O. Box 154, Maffra, 3860 - or email rotaryclubmaffra@gmail.com. Following information is confidential to assessment panel:
