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Why attend? Sport can be a game changer. Sport is part of the fabric of regional communities and Gippsland sporting clubs are starting to feel the effects of climate change. An increasing number of sporting facilities are future proofing their sport and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of their members by turning to a variety of renewable energy options that save the club money and help reduce the volunteer burden which may help with volunteer retention and reducing volunteer burn out.

As leading organisations in their communities, Gippsland sports clubs have the ability to educate their players, volunteers, officials and families about climate change and demonstrate positive community-led action to protect the values their communities care about.

What will I learn?

• Hear from speakers about how climate change impacts the places where we play sport and how we play sport and how being part of the renewable energy movement helps to protect those places and enhance our sporting experiences, safeguarding our health and wellbeing.

• Hear about Gippsland sporting clubs who have already undertaken renewable energy projects to get ideas about what’s possible, seek advice and learn about the benefits they’ve experienced.

• Discover key organisations, contacts and funding sources available to help you deliver your own community energy plan or project.

Speakers

John Clarke, Research Team Leader, Regional Projections CSIRO will discuss the climatic changes we can expect in Gippsland and how this will impact the sports community in coming years.

Sheila Nguyen, CEO, Sports Environment Alliance will highlight how the sports community can take a leadership role to protect the future of play and the health and wellbeing of communities.

John Coulter, Project Officer, Gippsland Community Power Hub will explain what community renewable energy is and how the Hub supports communities to bring their ideas to reality, including various sports club examples.

Andy Thomas, President of the Dalyston Football Netball Club will share why their club decided to install solar, how they funded it, barriers they overcame and the benefits they have experienced.

Benita Russell, Climate Change and Sustainability Advisor, Bass Coast Shire Council will highlight opportunities for project funding in the Bass Coast region and direct community groups to key project information.

Gippsland Community Power Hub is delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.