Transform Expo: Powering Communities with Renewable Energy and Inspiration
For two days in October, the Latrobe Valley played host to the inaugural “Transform Expo” – an opportunity for the community to engage directly with the renewable energy industry, discover job and training opportunities in the sector and learn more about Gippsland’s renewable energy transformation.
An educational experience, attendees explored upcoming renewable energy projects, training programs and discovered the first steps towards a rewarding career in this ever-evolving sector.
Expert panellists and speakers shared their insights on an impressive array of topics, ranging from the significant role of women in renewables to the intricacies of building community-based energy initiatives.
One of the highlights of the expo was the Friday night opening, featuring some of the most influential figures in the renewable energy sector. The Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources was joined by Wendy Farmer Voices of the Valley President, Sasha Courville from Bank Australia, Kate Graham, CEO of Gippsland Women's Health, Elianor Gerrard from the Community Power Agency, and the futurist Steve Sammartino.
What truly set the Transform Expo apart was its community-driven approach. The community generated the topics for presentations, reflecting the issues and interests closest to their hearts. This inclusivity ensured that all the sessions were well-attended and highly relevant to locals. Among the many highlights was the schools program, connecting the region’s youth with exciting opportunities in renewable energy.
Expo stalls at Transform provided businesses, organisations, and individuals a platform to showcase their contributions to the renewable energy sector. These stalls served as a marketplace of ideas and solutions, fostering collaborations and partnerships that are driving the transition to renewable energy forward.
The Transform Expo was a testament to the power of community, education, and collaboration. As we navigate the challenges of our time, events like this pave the way to a more sustainable future with a shared knowledge, inspiration, and vision for our region.