Projects

St Brigid’s goes Solar!

As the staff and children at St Brigid’s Primary School head back to school from their summer break they will be happy to know their electricity bills are on the way down, thanks to a new solar system recently installed by Healesville CoRE. St Brigid’s is the third building in Healesville to use our Revolving Fund for an interest free loan which will be repaid over the next few years using funds from the school’s reduced power bills.

A solar electricity system installed at St Brigid’s Primary School in Healesville is now online. The system was installed by Healesville CoRE using part of a $90,000 grant provided by the Federal Government in 2020. Yarra Ranges Council provided invaluable support in terms of financial and project management services. The system consists of 71 panels rated to produce a total of 32.6 kW of power. 

Provision of the system finance has been structured as a loan to St Brigid’s. The school will repay the loan over a number of years funded by the school’s reduced power bills. Once the loan has been repaid the school will have the full benefit of the system and Healesville CoRE will be able to reuse the repaid loan funds to fund a new system on another community building. 

This is the third community building where Healesville CoRE has installed solar systems under this model, the other two being the Robyn Jane Children’s Centre and the Healesville Living & Learning Centre. Both of those systems have previously gone online.

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Regenerating Australia Film Screening

Come along on Thursday, 2nd June, 6pm -7pm at the Healesville Library  to see the screening of Regenerating Australia a short hybrid documentary by award-winning filmmaker Damon Gameau who is best know for his documentary ‘That Sugar Film’ and ‘2040’ with a Q&A forum afterwards, moderated by Damon Gameau.

The Q&A will have a panel featuring Healesville CoRE, Eco Warriors Australia and Yarra Ranges Council Active Energy Precint.

It is a unique format and will be an engaging night, not to be missed!

Book your tickets now!

events.yourlibrary.com.au

 

Screening Details

Healesville Library

 

Date:      Thursday, 2nd June 2022

Time:       5:45pm arrival for 6:00pm start

Venue:    Healesville Library

Address:   110 River Street, Healesville  VIC 3777

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YARRA RANGES COUNCIL – AUSTRALIA DAY CIVIC AWARD RECIPIENT – HEALESVILLE CORE.

In some fantastic news to start the year, Healesville Community Renewable Energy Inc is the recipient of the Yarra Ranges Council, Environmental Achiever of the Year Australia Day Awards!

Yarra Ranges Council is very proud of the dedication and achievements of our residents who volunteer their own time and knowledge to make our local communities are great place to live.  Council’s annual Australia Day Civic Award ceremony provides a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the presentation of the awards to recipients, with their family and friends.

The award was presented on January 26th at Mt Evelyn Athletics Pavilion and lived streamed via Yarra Ranges Life TV. To view the Award Ceremony, click https://www.facebook.com/events/1000442697212662

Photography by Leo De Jong

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Hub to ‘power up’ with official launch

20 August 2021

The Yarra Valley Community Power Hub will flick the switch on a new era for renewable energy in the Greater Yarra Valley and Ranges, with its official launch on 28 August marking a major milestone for the program.

Formed after receiving $428,500 in funds from the Victorian Government, the Power Hub brings together seven local community energy groups which are committed to driving renewable energy projects in their communities. Their goal is to reduce the region’s carbon footprint, while promoting a movement away from centralised energy and towards locally sourced, sustainable energy.

If successful, the outcome will be a more self-reliant, empowered region that is less exposed to the impacts of climate change.

Mayor of Yarra Ranges, Councillor Fiona McAllister, will lead proceedings, which will take place online from 9.30am to 11.30am. Interested community members are encouraged to join in. To register, visit (https://bit.ly/3z08i0h).

 

Power Hubs network ready to launch Victoria-wide

The Yarra Valley Community Power Hub will be one of seven to launch throughout the State, thanks to Victorian Government funding of $3.73 million through Sustainability Victoria. The not-for-profit Hubs have been entrusted to work within their regions to deliver community-based renewable energy projects.

There will be five regionally based and two metropolitan Melbourne-based Hubs. These include the regions of Hume, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Barwon South West and Gippsland. The Yarra Valley Community Power Hub will be the first to launch officially.

 

Yarra Valley Hub taking shape

Healesville Community Renewable Energy (Healesville CoRE) has been central to the formation of the Yarra Valley Hub, which also includes Yarra Glenergy, Clean Energy Nillumbik, Yarra Valley ECOSS, Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association, Bunyip Renewable Action Group, and Eastern Climate Action Melbourne.

President of Healesville CoRE, Jeff Barlow, has taken on the role of Executive Officer of the Yarra Valley Community Power Hub. He will also be a guest speaker at the launch, together with industry partner, Komo Energy.

Four staff members have been employed for the Hub, who will support community energy groups in their work, such as bulk-buying solar panels and running information events. 

 

Quotes attributable to Executive Officer of the Yarra Valley Community Power Hub, Jeff Barlow

“We are at the beginning of an energy revolution in Australia. We are moving away from centralised delivery of fossil fuel-derived electricity and moving towards more sustainable, locally produced, locally stored and locally distributed energy,” Mr Barlow said.

“This will create a feeling of empowerment for the community, which can reduce its carbon footprint, its energy costs, while creating new jobs and keeping more money within the community.

“The official launch is an exciting time for everyone who has worked so hard on the Hub’s formation. Through their dedication, and with the support of the Yarra Valley communities, we can assist local groups and volunteers to deliver exciting energy projects well into the future.”

 

Media enquiries to Jeff Barlow on (03) 7065 4136 or 0411 562 315 or executive.officer@yvcommunitypowerhub.org.au

 

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You are all invited to attend our 2021 Annual General Meeting

The Central Committee of Healesville CoRE is pleased to advise our financial members and the general public that the 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 2 September from 7:30 pm via an oline Zoom meeting due to Covid 19 restrictions


Online registration required

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UPCOMING EVENT: Electric Vehicles and other Energy Efficient Modes of Transport

UPCOMING EVENT: in conjunction with Yarra Valley Community Power Hub
Electric Vehicles and other Energy Efficient Modes of Transport

NOW ON Saturday 19 FEB 2022 10.30am – 12.30pm

Darron Honey Centre (rear of Uniting Church), Maroondah Hwy, Healesville

Come and experience a close encounter with some of Australia’s best EV’s (electric vehicles) and hear from their owners on how they made the switch!

MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION CLICK HERE

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H’CoRE Receives $428,500 Funding from Sustainability Victoria!

MEDIA RELEASE:

Local Healesville Group Receives $428,500 Funding to Establish a Community Renewable Energy Power Hub

Healesville CoRE is very excited to announce it has been successful in obtaining $428,500 grant funding from Sustainability Victoria to establish and develop a Community Power Hub for the Greater Yarra Valley and Ranges area.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, on Thursday 8 July, 2021. See the announcement HERE!

The Victorian Government has allocated $3.73 million to seven not-for-profit and non-government organisations to work with their regions to develop community renewable energy projects. Sustainability Victoria will support the establishment of Community Power Hubs across Victoria including two in metropolitan Melbourne and one each in the regions of Hume, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Barwon South West and Gippsland regions.

Healesville CoRE (Healesville Community Renewable Energy Inc) which formed 4 years ago running renewable energy programs in the Healesville and surrounding areas, will establish and develop the Yarra Valley Community Power Hub (YV-CPHub). It will be made up of Healesville CoRE and 7 other community energy groups: Yarra Glenergy (from Yarra Glen), Clean Energy Nillumbik from Kangaroo Ground, Upper Yarra Community Power from Warburton, Yarra Valley ECOSS from Wesburn, Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association from Emerald, Bunyip Renewable Action Group and Eastern Climate Action from the Whitehorse City Council area.

The President of Healesville CoRE, Mr Jeff Barlow, who will become the new Executive Officer for the YV-CPHub, was very excited about this development for the small but very effective community group he leads: “We have worked very hard over the past 4 years, putting in thousands of hours of voluntary work into developing awareness of renewable energy, and running renewable energy projects with our community, and we are thrilled to now be able to collaborate with 7 other community groups to initiate, develop and deploy renewable energy projects across the Greater Yarra Valley and Ranges area.”

“Together with our industry partner, Komo Energy, who will provide technical, professional and legal support, we are now well situated to develop a collaborative partnership with the other community energy groups to develop a range of small to medium renewable energy projects”, said Mr Barlow.

Mr Barlow added, “This is an incredibly important initiative by the Victorian Government. The program, funded through Sustainability Victoria, will have a positive impact on our community, with the potential to support local businesses, create local employment and develop greater community support for renewable energy and other clean energy initiatives. The awarding of this grant now creates the opportunity for an exponential increase in community renewable energy in the region!”

Since the inception of Healesville CoRE there has been strong collaboration with the Yarra Ranges Council through their grants’ program and the Sustainability Team. The Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council, Cr Fiona McAllister sees this grant as a very positive development: “I am thrilled that Healesville CoRE will be leading a new Community Power Hub in the region, and will be working with other community renewable energy groups in Yarra Ranges and neighbouring municipalities,” Cr McAllister said.

“Healesville CoRE was formed only a few short years ago and with support from Council has gone from strength to strength – this is community action at its best”.

This program follows the success of the Victorian Government’s Community Power Hub Pilot program 2017-2020 which funded the implementation of solar arrays, bulk buy solar panels and solar streetlight installations in community facilities and households, substantially boosting Victoria’s renewable energy capacity and saving thousands of dollars in energy costs annually.

“We’re working with our communities across the Greater Yarra Valley and Ranges region to implement local renewable energy projects, to enable the transition to a low carbon, clean energy future”, said Mr Barlow. “As the lead partner organization, Healesville Community Renewable Energy Inc will be funded to increase access, involvement and ownership of renewable energy systems within the Greater Yarra Valley and Ranges region, whilst delivering significant economic benefits and ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Local projects will increase community awareness and support for renewable and clean energy initiatives and will help households, small businesses and community services to reduce energy costs.

“Our Greater Yarra Valley & Ranges Community Power Hub will be one of the most important platforms for communities in our region to move towards a renewable energy system. Working at the grass roots level to empower our local communities with the knowledge and the support they need, is crucial if we are to make the transition to a low carbon, clean energy future,” Mr Barlow said.

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Download our new Program of Free Community Events for 2021

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR VIEW OUR PROGRAM OF EVENTS

Throughout 2021, Healesville CoRE will be holding its 4th series of free community events.

Please note that this program is subject to change due to Covid-19 restrictions. We are committed to run our events as face to face meetings in line with health guidance.

Please stay tuned for email updates and check each event on our website HERE for further information.

Subscibe to our mailing list HERE and get event reminders and newsletters sent directly to your inbox.

The goal of our events is to assist community members to better understand and more deeply engage with community based renewable energy power generation, methods to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses, and to inform and advise on future community based renewable energy projects.

More specifically, these events focus on improving community awareness and knowledge on a range of topics, including: domestic solar panel installations, heat pump and solar based hot water systems, off grid solar battery storage, smart monitoring systems, small to medium scale solar farms, microgrids, energy optimisation products for homes and businesses, community owned energy systems / the Local Power Plan, and electric vehicles. Check out the full list of events on our website HERE!

Healesville CoRE is committed to reducing our community’s reliance on fossil fuel generated power whilst simultaneously saving our community members money on their energy costs.

FREE LIGHT REFRESHMENTS will be available at each event (if held at a venue rather than online).

Online registration is free, and will open 3 weeks prior to the date of each event on our event page on our website.

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Hear from locals who have saved $$$ with their heat pump hot water system!

Karen & Ron Roberts’ Experience with their Reclaim Heat Pump

In August 2019 Healesville CoRE members Karen and Ron Roberts decided to take advantage of the Solar Hot Water & Heat Pump offer by purchasing an Apricus CO2 Heat Pump from Reclaim Energy. They already had a 3.5kw solar system with 14 panels installed a few years earlier, and although this certainly reduced their power bill, they knew their old electric water unit was chewing through the kilowatts and needed replacing.

The figures are:

Cost of unit                              $3520

Installation                              $1262 (Plumbing and electrician)

TOTAL                                     $4,782

Less Federal rebate                 $1732 (STC $1156 and VEEC $576)

Less State rebate                    $1000

Total out of pocket cost        $2050

The graph below tells the story, look at the July total compared to the August one! As you can see, the peak usage remains fairly constant, but the off peak usage drops dramatically and then remains quite low. They believe this is because the old unit used to heat up during the off peak portion. The new one only heats up once a day for 2 hours from 10am till 12 noon which will be changed in the winter to maximize the suns effect on the solar panels.

Karen and Ron are with Tango and their feed in tariff rate was 11.3c until June, and 12c from July until now. Their power bill averaged at $103.45 per month from March to August 2019, then after the heat pump installation dropped to an average of $43.20 per month from September 2019 to February 2020. These figures may have to be adjusted slightly because we need to take into consideration the days were longer and warmer after the heat pump was installed, but they calculate that they will still be saving about $700 a year ($7,000 over 10 years), which means that the heat pump will pay for itself after about three years. Not a bad investment!

Healesville CoRE are continuing their Hot Water Community Offer in 2021!

Come to our next event called ‘Switching to Solar’ on the 1st of March 2021 to learn more!!!

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Healesville Net Zero Town Project

Healesville Net Zero Town Project – 2018’
The ambition of Healesville CoRE is to transition our town to net zero emissions and create greater energy independence for Healesville. The broader objective is for the community to feel empowered to have more control and ownership over the production, distribution and storage of the town’s renewable energy

What was the Healesville Net Zero Town Project & Why Was it Created?
In 2017, Healesville CoRE partnered with Monash University’s Net Zero Initiative and the Yarra Ranges Council to apply for a New Energy Jobs Fund Grant from the Victorian Government, to create a feasibility study and transition plan for Healesville to become a Net Zero Town. Although our team was shortlisted and went to interview for the grant, our application was ultimately not successful.

Nevertheless, Monash University offered to create a ‘pro bono’ project for Healesville CoRE, with two students to undertake an Options Study, supervised by Dr Roger Dargaville (Senior Lecturer in Monash’s Department of Civil Engineering) and Dr Yasmina Dkhissi, the Monash University Net Zero Strategy Manager.

Luke Barry and Nick Seymour, both Monash University Environmental Engineering students, were selected to do the research and provide a report. Their work commenced in March 2018 and was completed in June 2018, with a written report and a presentation on 21st June 2018, at the Healesville CoRE first anniversary community gathering at the Memo in Healesville: ‘Our Solar town: from dreams to reality”.

Why was Monash Motivated to Establish this Program?
According to Dr Yasmina Dkhissi, “Monash Uni through its Net Zero Initiative is committed to Climate Action, Leadership and Partnerships. Monash Uni is transforming its own infrastructure and assets to transition to net zero emissions by 2030 and building an innovative,100% renewable powered Microgrid on its Clayton campus.

Monash is committed to creating a positive impact beyond the campus boundaries and helping community organisations embarking on similar journeys.

Monash sees Healesville Net Zero town as the perfect opportunity to promote collaborative and innovative approaches to solving today’s great sustainability challenges. It allows Monash students to apply and further their skills and knowledge on an interdisciplinary ‘real-word’ challenge being driven by a local community group, supported to find practical solutions that will benefit the region and beyond. If this project could help enable collaborations with local industry partners, we strongly believe that this would constitute one great step towards achieving Healesville CoRE’s vision.”

Healesville CoRE was excited to work with such a professional team willing to support a group of community volunteers in achieving our big ambition of a Net Zero Town by 2027. The final report provided by Nick Seymour and Luke Barry provides us with a secure foundation and a direction for our project.

Healesville Net Zero Town Project – Scope (March 2018)
Healesville Net Zero Town Report – July 2018

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