Council & Business
16 September, 2025
Program to support locals to save on energy
The Home Energy Empowerment Program continues with information for locals on how to reduce their energy consumption, improve home comfort and save on energy bills.
The latest event invites residents looking for energy solutions to attend a Sustainable House Day, hosted by the Goldfields Sustainability Group, on September 21 from 11 am to 2 pm.
Two homes will be open for the event — one newly built to take advantage of sustainable energy, while the other is an older building retrofitted for greater efficiency and comfort.
The event is the latest in a collaborative project between Central Goldfields, the City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Pyrenees councils aiming to provide practical skills and advice for homeowners and renters.
Goldfields Sustainability Group and Mill House Neighbourhood House are local partners supporting the shire’s events.
It’s that practical advice Central Goldfields Shire deputy mayor Ben Green said was the success of the program.
“Our older houses simply weren’t built for the appliances and climate conditions we’re experiencing today,” he said.
“What our community is learning from this program is that something as simple as draught-proofing your home or adding more insulation can save you thousands of dollars in energy costs.”
Cr Green encourages locals to make manageable incremental changes helping the environment through reducing consumption but also their own bottom line.
“Convenience and comfort is all about me, we don’t think about others, there’s sort of an obsession of comfort for ourselves,” he said.
From closing or opening doors, using the heater or air conditioner more efficiently, or using more efficient appliances – there are many options for energy conscious locals.
“You don’t have to adopt everything it might just be a few things that suit you,” he said.
“Just make that little bit more effort.”
Central Goldfields Shire councillor Liesbeth Long for two decades has been focused on sustainability.
Having lived both in the country and the city Cr Long was an early solar panel adopter having since put them on her home and shearing shed.
“Why not get it and do my bit for the environment. I’ve always been very conscious of us and the things we use up, it’s not sustainable, that’s started to come out very clearly now,” she said.
“I’ve got two granddaughters. What are we leaving for the next generation?”
Beyond the environmental, however, Cr Long reminded locals there are opportunities to save on bills through small changes residents can make.
“Coming along to things like this you’re not obligated to do anything, but it gives you information, and knowledge is power,” she said.
“You’ve got nothing to lose.”
According to Central Goldfields Shire Council, since May there have been 90 attendees at in-person sessions across the shire and over 750 registrations for lunch and learn webinars attended across the Central Victorian region.
An EnergyWise Q&A session will be held at the Maryborough Library on October 8.
Lucinda Flynn from Going Green Solutions, a company focused on home energy efficiency and sustainability training, will answer local energy efficiency questions.
“Improving the energy efficiency of your home does not have to cost you a fortune, and many low-cost measures can save those who rent just as much,” she said.
“Simple things like window coverings or only heating the rooms you are using really add up over a few months of energy billing cycles.
“It’s a big help to learn what opportunities and challenges exist locally from residents who have recently undertaken energy efficiency measures in their homes.”
For registration links and further information about the program, visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic. gov.au/EmPower
You can also register by calling council’s Customer Service team on 5461-0610.
Video recordings of the ‘lunch and learn’ webinar series, plus many other helpful resources can be found at: www.cgca.org.au/resources