Giving Power Launched!

MEDIA RELEASE:
GIVING POWER to a sustainable future for ALL!

The Bendigo Sustainability Group is proud to announce the launch of GIVING POWER - a crowd-funding campaign to provide fully funded solar systems on the homes of low income households.

Focussed in the Bendigo area & Loddon Mallee region, GIVING POWER is hosted, led and funded by the Bendigo Sustainability Group and generously supported by the Victorian Government’s Department of Environment, Energy & Climate Action through its New Energy Jobs Fund and also Bendigo Community Health Services. GIVING POWER aims to increase access to clean energy for disadvantaged members of the community who traditionally cannot afford solar.

This initiative responds to the alarming knowledge that low income households are disproportionately affected by rising energy costs, with more people and families struggling to make ends meet (according to a report by the Australian Council of Social Service). With this, and the requirement for environmentally sustainable solutions, the need for affordable energy options for low income households and families has become increasingly urgent.

“Approximately 40,000 homeowners in the Loddon Mallee region are classified as "Low" or "Very Low" Income Households based on Victorian Government criteria, making up 29% of all households. Out of these households, about 4,000 are currently experiencing mortgage stress, which is equivalent to 3% of all households.
[said Colin Lambie, Chair – Project Control Group, Bendigo Sustainability Group].

All businesses, community groups & caring individuals are invited to contribute to this 3 month campaign, to help raise the required $63,000. This amount paired with Federal & State Government subsidies and rebates will enable the purchase and installation of solar systems on the homes of approximately 30 low income households.

"Access to clean energy should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy," said Martine Street from Bendigo Community Health Services. “By supporting this project, we can make a significant difference to the lives of benefitting families, whilst also continuing with the transition to clean energy sources, as critical to our environment”.

“All donations are welcome, no matter how big or small. For example, your $60, PLUS Government $ Subsidies will enable the purchase of 1 solar panel for 1 home. Your $240 will provide a set of 3 solar panels plus mounting components & $2,100 will enable an entire 3 kW solar system to be installed [valued at approx. $5000]”
said Project Resource Chris Corr of the Bendigo Sustainability Group.

This project is being delivered as a small-scale pilot and with success, the Bendigo Sustainability Group plan to approach the Victorian Government to significantly expand the model. The aim is to assist hundreds if not thousands of households and families across the region.

This project and the essential generous donations from the community will unlock government solar subsidies through the Solar Victoria - Solar Homes rebates which most low income households struggle to access - for instance for every $1 donated we can unlock approximately $2.40 in solar system value.

To donate to the campaign visit: www.chuffed.org/project/giving-power
or find out more via: www.bsg.org.au/giving-power

A public launch event for GIVING POWER will be held as follows:

9:30 a.m. Thursday 20 April 2023
Bendigo Discovery Science and Technology Centre (Railway Place Bendigo) Discovery Centre open for kids and adults from 9:00 a.m.
tea, coffee and light refreshments provided

This project hosted, led & funded by the Bendigo Sustainability Group, is also supported by the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action through the New Energy Jobs Fund program. Delivery support by Bendigo Community Health Services, with communication services by Make a Change Australia.

For media inquiries, interviews, images or other information contact:
Chris Corr, Project Resource, Bendigo Sustainability Group via
giving-power@bsg.org.au or 0427 148 270.

Issued: 4 April 2023