Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

Four seniors pose for a photo in white and floral tops.

Yackatoon Retirement Village (YRV) is a community comprising 28 homes, with one and two bedroom units, providing independent living for older residents and younger individuals with additional needs or disadvantaged circumstances. YRV is collaborating with local community organisation Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY), who support broad community access to a local renewable energy supply.

YRV is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through sustainable and community-driven initiatives, so they were well aligned to the objectives of the Community Led Climate Solutions program’s Scaling Grants, funded by the Paul Ramsay Foundation. These grants support community-led projects that address the risks or impacts of climate change, particularly those that alleviate disadvantage.

YRV received a $57,500 grant for their Protecting Energy for Seniors project. It will be delivered in three stages, with the first upgrading shared facilities, including the communal hall facilities and main office, with a 25kW solar array and 27kWh of batteries. This upgrade is expected to reduce annual energy bills by approximately $5,000, a significant saving.

In stage 2, YRV will offer professional energy consultations free of charge to residents to help them save money, reduce carbon emissions and improve living comfort. These consultations involve:

  • Observing major appliances and their configurations in each unit;
  • Analysing energy bills to create a summary of energy use;
  • Providing advice on opportunities for improvement; and
  • Facilitating two-way engagement for residents to gain more information and reduce energy costs.

Future Plans

Stage 3 will be informed by the findings from energy consultations that will make recommendations to the YRV board on further opportunities to assist residents. Potential recommendations include:

  • Trialling solar and/or battery systems on selected units to build confidence in potential savings;
  • Adjusting hot water settings and timers;
  • Optimising arrangements with non-residential meters (e.g., security lighting and personal alarms); or
  • Improving thermal performance of units.

This project not only scales YRV’s renewable initiatives but also supports the broader Yackandandah community. YRV collaborates with local health services in Beechworth and Yackandandah to provide programs for disadvantaged and isolated community members,, including regular social events in the community room.

YRV’s renewable energy initiative exemplifies a strong, locally-led project that not only benefits its residents but also strengthens the broader community’s resilience to climate change. Through collaboration, innovation and community engagement, YRV is paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.