This story was submitted as part of FRRR’s 25th birthday celebrations.

“FRRR has been a catalyst for positive change, empowering communities to address local challenges and seize opportunities with tailored support and funding. This sort of funding simply does not exist in any other place. By investing in grassroots initiatives, FRRR has played a pivotal role in creating thriving regional communities that are equipped to respond to the wicked problem of climate change and embrace the future with more confidence. We deeply value FRRR’s vision and dedication, and we are proud to be part of its legacy. Congratulations on 25 years of empowering rural and regional Australia — we look forward to future partnerships.”

Darren McCubbin, CEO, Gippsland Climate Change Network

“FRRR funding helped us to develop and implement the Gippsland New Energy PowerPops, an initiative designed to engage and inform the community about renewable energy opportunities within the Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone. Using the New Energy Portal as a central resource, we created engaging materials, including VR headsets offering virtual wind farm tours and a database of skills and job opportunities. This project fosters a positive narrative around decarbonization and climate change, emphasizing opportunities for work and providing social acceptance, especially amongst younger people.

“The PowerPops initiative enabled us to bring information directly to local markets, schools, and community events, helping to dispel myths and build trust. Without this funding, opportunities to address misconceptions, showcase the benefits of offshore wind and involve the community in shaping the transition would have been limited, delaying progress and risking public opposition. This support has been critical to ensuring that the transition to offshore wind is seen as a positive and inclusive opportunity for Gippsland.”

GCCN’s vision for the future

“We hope to see a region powered by renewable energy, with strong local industries supported by a skilled workforce and innovative technologies. Gippsland will be a leader in environmental stewardship, balancing economic growth with the preservation of our natural landscapes and biodiversity. Our community will be connected and inclusive, with a strong social fabric that values collaboration and equity. By 2050, Gippsland will be a model for regional transformation, demonstrating how communities can successfully navigate the challenges of a transition from coal fired power to large scale renewables while creating lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits for future generations.”

Gippsland Climate Change Network Incorporated’s (GCCNI) application to FRRR’s Community Led Climate Solution’s (CLCS) grant program highlighted the multi-faceted transition required in response to the planned closure of coal fired electricity plants in the Latrobe Valley, on Gunaikurnai land in Victoria. Organisations such as GCCNI see a range of potential benefits from the closure of coal-fired power plants.

The Network was established in 2007 to effectively co-ordinate community, institutional and business networking to advance renewable energy. Their work also alleviates community apprehension about job losses, while working to ensure a thriving local economy. Their core mission is well-aligned to one of the main objectives of the Community Led Climate Solutions (CLCS) program – to provide support to communities navigating a just transition towards a socially, environmentally and economically vibrant and sustainable future – where no one is left behind.

With the support of a $20,000 CLCS grant, the GCCNI Gippsland New Energy ‘PowerPops’ project was able to activate one of their identified initiatives on their just transition journey. This initiative developed informative and engaging material that will enhance community awareness and understanding of ‘new energy’ opportunities. They are providing independent information and guidance on how the local community can engage and direct the outcome of these proposals. These resources included VR headsets offering virtual tours of renewable energy industries (e.g. wind farms), a listing of job opportunities and links to businesses.

By providing targeted information and resources, the project seeks to empower individuals to actively participate and benefit from the transition to renewable energy.

The second part of the project is disseminating resources at ‘pop up’ workshops hosted at community markets, shopping centres and/or school training expo sites. The locations were chosen to help reach individuals who, historically, have not been engaged in sustainability / new initiatives. By taking these workshops to locations where they’re most likely to be, particularly younger people, they hope to inform them.

A recent progress shared with FRRR reported that the VR displays are proving engaging, allowing for informative 350-degree experiences from local and overseas developers. They’ve also purchased a VR mini-game / training tool titled ‘Day in the Life of an Offshore Wind Tech’, and hosted 10 successful sessions across the Latrobe Valley and wider Gippsland region. Feedback and awareness sessions have been organised with groups including Venturer Scouts, Wellington Youth Council, Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group, Environment Victoria’s Action Network, Uplift Youth, and Gunaikurnai Aboriginal Land & Water Corporation. The organisation has had several offshore wind proponents keen to extend the program.

There is strong interest in future awareness events across the Gippsland region, both demonstrating the effectiveness of a locally-led and impactful climate solution project.