Women in solar pack a punch! The AWISE group recently convened to reflect on progress to date and ambitions for the future. Here Sam Craft explains the grand plan.
“The AWISE verdict? The outlook for women in solar energy is BRIGHT!”
FROM OUR SMALL BEGINNINGS less than two years ago, AWISE is proving a resounding success! There has been a strong level of interest and support for women in the industry, and we have been overwhelmed with the amount of support and opportunities presented to the group in the 24 months since inception. This was reflected in our ‘sell out’ AWISE Brunch in May, made possible by the Smart Energy Council and Supply Partners. It was wonderful seeing so many enthusiastic and inspirational people and hearing from a range of fantastic speakers with different experiences and pathways. Here’s a glimpse of the line-up: • Tracey Burnton from Supply Partners described her journey into the renewable energy sector and the support she’s received from her peers and colleagues. • Tammy Allsop from Solaray Energy shared her experiences and growth in her role and called for more women to work together and convene in their respected States. • Debjani Sarkar, who is a board member of Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter, spoke about how the solar system that AWISE was able to provide for one of their emergency houses has made a huge impact on their electricity bill. • Nigel Morris from Solar Analytics spoke from the perspective of being a man in the industry for three decades and how just starting a conversation with female colleagues can make all the difference. He also mentioned Escape Bags, the Australian registered charity distributing ‘Escape Bags’ for victims fleeing domestic and family abuse. https://escabags.org/
Tapping into female talent
The AWISE Founding Committee: Bobbi McKibbin of Solar Integrity; Sam Craft of National Renewable Group; Christine Kennedy, Total Solar Solutions Australia; Keshia Noronho, Fronius Australia; Lily Pejkic, Sydney Solar and Batteries; and Sophie Wright, Velocity Solar.
Many businesses are committed to growing their teams to prepare for the next wave of investment and innovation in the renewable energy sector and women are at the forefront of minds. How to attract and hire female talent and most importantly how to continue to support them once they are in their workplace are among the issues that businesses want to discuss. Our advice? – start the conversation. Sit down with the women in your lives and workplaces and listen to their stories, what they need, what they desire in the job and work with them to create a culture that will benefit all!
The AWISE group chats with the now Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Energy Minister Chris Bowen during the 2022 Smart Energy Conference and Expo
On the AWISE agenda… It’s no secret we are very much focused on continuing to drive interest in, and numbers of, women in solar. The AWISE plan to build momentum covers a range of activities: • Installations of solar and battery systems on women’s shelters across Australia • Building strategic relationships to open more opportunities for women • Encouraging women seeking apprenticeships and jobs in our sector • Networking and educational seminars for women and men in our industry • Supporting and creating awareness for good mental health in our industry, and • Mentoring opportunities However, we do need more help! We are close to welcoming nominations for our official AWISE Committee. We need women and men across all States and Territories to help us achieve our goals. Please keep an eye on our socials (Facebook and LinkedIn) and our website for updates. •
https://www.awise.com.au/
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FB PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/AustralianWomen-In-Solar-Energy-AWISE-106695687831538
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FB GROUP – https://www.facebook.com/groups/ awisegroup
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Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/company/ australian-women-in-solar-energy-awise/
The room was packed! The popular AWISE Brunch of May 2022 49
