Thirteen councils and community organisations across Victoria have secured the resources they need to strengthen local energy resilience, thanks to nearly $2.4 million in grants from energy provider AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund. This funding will drive upgrades that ensure communities can withstand prolonged outages and extreme weather events.
For councils, the grants mean tangible improvements to emergency response infrastructure. Baw Baw, Casey, Mansfield, and Nillumbik Shire Councils are protecting key community spaces by installing generators, solar battery systems, and switchboards to keep Emergency Relief Centres fully operational when it matters most.
In South Gippsland and Strathbogie, funds are being directed toward emergency response vehicles, generator trailers, and Starlink connectivity – all of which are critical assets for coordinating relief efforts in remote areas. Meanwhile, Wellington Shire Council is integrating emergency power across multiple sites, ensuring essential services remain accessible in times of crisis.
Local organisations are also receiving a much-needed resilience boost. Cowwarr Football Netball Club, Seaspray Surf Lifesaving Club, and Yarram Neighbourhood House will now have reliable power sources, ensuring food, fuel, and emergency shelter remain available. In the Yarra Ranges, Millgrove Residents Action Group is investing in solar storage solutions to keep vital community hubs running when the grid goes down.
With these investments, councils and community groups are future-proofing their regions ad building stronger, more self-sufficient communities that can withstand disruptions and keep residents safe.
