The Mount Players second show for 2026, Mr Bailey’s Minder, a dramatic comedy by Debra Oswald, opens Friday, May 8 and runs to May 24.

Abusive, cantankerous and burned out by booze, Leo Bailey is one of Australia’s national treasures. A gifted painter and chronic alcoholic, he can no longer take care of himself. His resentful daughter, Margo, has been through a succession of minders, until Therese comes along, fresh out of jail and determined to make a go of her limited options. It’s a tough, funny, big hearted play.
Tickets: www.themountplayers.com or call 0419 329 052.
* Auditions for the August musical After-Light are on Saturday, May 16 and Thursday, May 21 at the Mountview Theatre, Macedon. Singers, dancers and musicians are needed.
Contact Craig Lenaine-Smith at mountplayerspresident@gmail.com

Hepburn Shire Council has taken action against landowners breaching planning regulations and related permits.
One landowner has continued to breach the shire’s regulations by storing many more wrecked vehicles on their land than allowed under their permit despite a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal order to comply in 2023.
Last month, officers concluded a three-day trial at VCAT asking for the tribunal to declare the landowner “in contempt” of the 2023 order, a serious charge allowing VCAT to impose substantial fines or prison time.
Similarly, two Daylesford landowners are facing penalties of up to $70,000 and $6000 respectively, for the illegal removal of vegetation.
The council’s media release did not say if the landowners had been fined, had paid fines or had spent time in prison for the breaches.
Meanwhile, community groups are being encouraged to bring their project ideas to life, with the council’s Community Grants Program now officially open for applications.
To support applicants, the council is hosting an online information session where community members can learn more about the grant process, eligibility requirements, and how to submit a strong application.
The session, to be held on Thursday, April 30 from 6.30 to 7.30 pm, will also provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Not-for-profit community organisations can apply for grants of up to $5000.
Finally, two key components are now underway as part of the Daylesford Community Facilities Project at the Daylesford Town Hall.

After considering community feedback and remaining mindful of financial constraints, the council supported a long-term staged approach to the project while still supporting the reactivation of the auditorium.
This next stage of detailed planning and design has been split into two components to ensure targeted planning and delivery with a total budget of $270,000 (funded in 2025/26).
The first component is focused on developing the detailed design for the front section of the town hall while the second centres on upgrades to the auditorium.
Quotations for the auditorium upgrades close May 1.
Words: Kyle Barnes

Twelve Best Roses

In honour of Mother’s Day and the many roses that will be sold roadside for this day, I bring you a story on the 12 Best Roses.

Who could have imagined that in 1904 you would have seen a competition for the 12 Best Roses. In 1914, more debate occurred for the top 12 and the commentary on what constitutes a good rose was blooming marvellous.
It was mentioned that for a rose to be classed as one of the best, it should be a vigorous grower and be fit for exhibition, garden, or decoration. They must have colour, depth, large petals and perfect form – qualities very desirable for all purposes.
The Argus had daily letters to the editor with the rose being referred to as the Queen of Flowers. Rosarians may grow roses to perfection, but this flower is not for everyone. There are many things to consider – sunshine, temperatures, soil and making sure you feed them well.

A few Trenthamites weighed in on the ongoing commentary with their top 12:
Thomas Cantwell, High Street: Madame Abel Chatenay, Frau Karl Druschki, La France, Belle Siebrecht, Souv. De Maria de Zayas, Georges Schwartz, Queen of Spain, Irish Elegance, Madame Jules Gravereaux, Chateau de Clos Vouguot, Mrs Harold Brocklebank and Climbing Perle des Jardins.
Thomas Welch, National Bank: Belle Siebrecht, Lyons Rose, Perle von Godesberg, Souv. De Maria de Zayas, La France, White Maman Cochet, Madame Abel Chatenay, Prince Camille de Rohan, Grus au Teplitz, Perles des Jardins, Papa Gontier and Madame Jules Gravereaux.
J. J. Murphy, Trentham: Madame Abel Chatenay, Belle Siebrecht, Lady Battersea, Queen of Spain, Rose d’Evian, Mrs. Harold Brocklebanlc, Caroline Testout, Margaret Dickson, Mrs David McKee, La France, Madame Jules Gravereaux and The Bride.
The competition eventually closed and the top 12 for 1914 were: Madame Abel Chateney, pictured bottom, Frau Karl Druschki, pictured top, White Maman Cochet, pictured middle, Lyons Rose, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, General McArthur, Belle Siebrecht, La France, Joseph Hill, Rhea Reid, Souvenir De Maria de Zayas and Dean Hole.

(I hope your Mother’s Day is filled with joy, you reminisce about days gone by and get to smell a perfumed rose or two – Nat)

The Local would love to run some of our readers’ favourite roses – a 2026 competition of sorts. Send a photo and a few details to donna@tlnews.com.au by May 1 to be included in the next edition…

On the job – Old ways, work & chores is on exhibition at the Daylesford Museum, 100 Vincent Street until Saturday, May 30.

Museum curator Gary Lawrence said the exhibition was an opportunity for residents and visitors to wander through this exhibition of artefacts, images and information.
“It will prompt your memories of older generations, perhaps grandma and grandpa. How much simpler and quicker are many domestic tasks as compared to decades ago.
“Women seemed tied to a routine, washing on Monday, ironing on Tuesday etc and always cooking. The men were often working on the farm. Work was very physical, demanding and conducted in unhealthy or dangerous conditions.”
The museum is open Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. Adults $5, children free.

Above, carting hay ready to build a haystack at the Sartoris’ Farm, Franklinford

So Macedon MP and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has decided that 12 years in the seat is long enough. She is no longer a minister and will not stand in the November election. Fair call.
I think being a pollie would be hard work. You really can’t win – well the party can – but the haters gonna hate no matter what you do.
Look at poor Dan during Covid. All that time in front of the cameras, reporting on numbers every day, locking us down, keeping us safe. And I know so many people who can’t stand him – not just the cyclist.
I thought he did alright for his first rodeo. The best thing for us was that the media was allowed to travel – so we used to drive around the shire just to try to keep our sanity intact.
Anyway, well done Mary-Anne. I did ask her PR person what was next on the agenda but I was told there were no firm plans.
I would take a break too. As she said she does not have enough in the tank for another four years, but she might have enough in the bank for a well-earned break.
I like keeping my mind busy so I had a bit of a search around the internet and found a site for the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal.
The tribunal is responsible for setting remuneration for Members of Parliament, local councillors and executives in the Victorian public sector.

It’s an interesting read. I found that:
The basic salary payable to an MP is $211,972 per annum;
The additional salary and any expense allowance per annum for a minister is $178,171 plus expenses of $18,964;
The electorate allowance per annum if the electorate is 500 square kilometres or more but less than 5000 square kilometres is $51,808 (Macedon is 3366 km2);
The parliamentary accommodation sitting allowance if the MP is a Minister of the Crown is $42,298;
The motor vehicle allowance per annum for an MP who does not elect to be provided with a motor vehicle if the electorate is less than 5000 square kilometres is $24,015;
The commercial transport allowance per annum for an MP if the electorate is less than 10,000 square kilometres is $5372; and
The international travel allowance per annum for an MP is $11,410.
By my reckoning Mary-Anne Thomas, and all ministers of the crown, are getting around $544,010 a year. That’s $10,461 a week.
Hmmm. I think I got into the wrong profession. My weekly allowance is $50. Even when I worked for bigger news groups like Fairfax it wasn’t much more. Journalism is a great game – but it doesn’t pay much.
I did write to that same PR person to ask if the wage and expenses was around the half a million dollar mark, and was told it was all publicly available “and on the record for transparency and accountability”. Yes or no would have done.
Anyway, Harriet Shing is the new Minister for Health, Ambulance Services and Water. Premier Jacinta Allan said Ms Shing would “bring new ideas to public health, backing our dedicated workforce, and will drive our work making health care easier and cheaper for busy families to access”.
That’s nice – not sure how water fits into those other portfolios – and do you get to double dip if you are minister for three areas? That would be a great wage.
Hmmm. I guess Macedon is looking for a new MP now. I wonder if Kyle would mind doing The Local on his own? Anyone want to vote for me? Just askin’…

Hi there, I am Keeley, a kitten with a heart full of curiosity and a touch of independence.

I am a little reserved at first, but my inquisitive nature keeps me exploring every corner of my surroundings. I do like my own space too so I am the perfect companion for someone who appreciates a pet that balances affection with a bit of autonomy. I am not keen on small kids though. Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine.
Microchip no. 956000018364873

5472 5277 | shelter@maaw.org.au

Autumn

Cirrus streaked dawning
Raven caw magpie chortle
Essence of autumn

Buffeted dry curls
Naked deciduousness
Windfall red-gold-brown

Bitter ice reveal
Chill factoring southern wind
Murderous frost knife

Meagre sun ration
Leaden darkness afternoon
Acrid woodfire smoke

– Julie Moran

Julie finds inspiration within the minutiae of life. She is a member of Clunes Writers’ Group.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.
Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

I am not usually a tin-hat wearing, anti-jab conspiracy theorist, however there’s a bit of stuff in the news that’s made me take a second look at history.
Case in point is the latest fly-by the moon by the Artemis II, where they whipped by the piece of cheese looking for suitable landing spots, which makes me pause for thought. The Artemis III test mission is planned for 2027, and then a human moon landing is planned for 2028, with the long-term goal of building a moon base which will eventually serve as a stepping stone for human missions to Mars.
But look back to 1969 where man apparently already landed on the moon with “one small step for man one giant leap” and all that. But conspiracy theorists allege that NASA, in collaboration with Hollywood, faked the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing in a studio to win the space race.

Popular myths suggest director Stanley Kubrick filmed it, often citing alleged inconsistencies in photos, such as non-parallel shadows or missing stars, as proof of a staged set.
Another head scratcher is what happened in 1972 and why haven’t we returned in the past 54 years or just over half a century. Humans have landed on the moon six times, all during NASA’s Apollo program between 1969 and 1972. A total of 12 people have walked on the lunar surface, and 24 astronauts have travelled to the moon. The last crewed mission, Apollo 17, departed in December 1972.
I guess it’s one of those riddles that will never be revealed but theories (apart from aliens who live up there and kicked us off) range from lack of funding to political focus. But as the attention is shifting to other planets for colonisation like Mars, humans need a low gravity lilypad on which to hop off to far-flung spots around the cosmos.
I suppose it’s the same as the riddle of the Iran war and why the Yanks are over there, when things from the outside appeared to be going along swimmingly. The start of the stouch was reiterating that Tehran “can never have a nuclear weapon”. And apparently, they were getting close, but who do you believe? There is so much bovine excrement being slung around by American politicians. And don’t get me started on the social media platforms which are tantamount to an echo chamber of your own beliefs.
So I can’t see why the Trump doesn’t clean up his own backyard first. He started with a nationalistic approach, going to fix everything in his great land and stuff the rest of the world but changed tack when he sidled up to his new bestie Netanyahu.
But surely Trumpster or as he now goes by “Jesus Christ” should be sorting out the US first instead of spending billions of dollars on war. After all, he has over 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night and a health system that is in a spiral with life expectancy of 79, roughly four years lower than the average of comparable developed countries.
The US debt-to-GDP ratio is approximately 122%–123%, with total federal debt surpassing $37 trillion – partly because of the war. This means the nation owes more than it produces in a year.
And to give you context Australia has a 34.8% debt-to-GDP ratio. But Trump still keeps spending hard-fleeced tax dollars on a war on the other side of the world, probably to shore up some sort of real estate deal. Gaza Strip anyone?
Beyond me confused rant over…

Ed’s note: Hmmm. Iran may have seemed to be going along swimmingly but I don’t think as a woman I would want to be swimming anywhere around there.

The state government has announced the insulation discount under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program will be available for eligible social housing from 14 April. 

This will help residents save an average of $418 a year on their energy bills.

The discount will slash around $1,482 off the cost of installation; about 30 to 50 per cent of the total cost depending on home size.

Social housing residents will be among the first to benefit as the Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program (EESHP) will be eligible in the first stage.

The program will expand to all eligible Victorian homes with no or low ceiling insulation from 1 October 2026.

The staged rollout gives installers time to get fully certified and train their workforce to deliver safe, high-quality upgrades across every home.

Every upgrade will meet strict standards, including mandatory electrical safety checks, installer assessments, and approved product rules – excluding higher-risk materials like foil-faced, cellulose, and loose-fill insulation.

For more information visit, energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/products/insulation-discounts.

Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne and Minister for Health Harriet Shing have announced that structural works have started on the new Melton Hospital. 

The first concrete slabs have been poured and five of six tower cranes are now on site.

A significant investment in Melbourne’s growing west – the $900 million hospital will be able to treat 130,000 patients every year.

The new Melton Hospital will provide care close to home for people in Caroline Springs, Gisborne, Rockbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh.

The hospital will include:

• 274 beds
• a 24-hour emergency department
• intensive care unit
• maternity, neonatal, mental health and radiology services
• ambulatory care
• teaching, training and research spaces.

The 24-hour emergency department will have capacity to treat more than 60,000 patients per year.

It will be Victoria’s first all-electric hospital and will use carbon neutral power from day one of operations.

The hospital is located on a 68,000 square metre site on Ferris Road – more than three times the size of the MCG.

The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Western Health and Exemplar Health.

The project is supporting thousands of construction jobs, with more than 273,000 hours worked on site so far.

Major construction is on track for completion in 2029.

Victoria Police’s has undergone an overhaul to step up the fight against crime and put Protective Services Officers (PSOs) where they’re needed, when they’re needed, based on real police intelligence.

As part of Victoria Police’s intelligence-led deployment model, strengthened by 50 extra PSOs:

• PSOs will be deployed to stations based directly on police data and intelligence
• PSOs will start clocking in at key stations from as early as 9am, not 6pm
• PSOs won’t be confined to the platform – they’ll now patrol trains and around stations to keep people safe
• No station and no train will be unpatrolled while PSOs are on shift, with officers constantly moving around the network to detect and deter crime

Starting from tomorrow:

• PSOs will patrol 32 metro stations from 9:00am until last service
• PSOs will patrol 73 metro stations and four regional stations from 5:00pm until the last service
• PSOs will be on constant mobile patrol across 119 metro stations from 5:00pm until the last service

Victoria Police designed this model to detect and deter more crime, be more visible, and keep more people safe.

Crime patterns have changed since PSOs were first introduced 14 years ago.

Today, police tell us we need more PSOs at stations where crime is more likely, based directly on their intelligence.

We also need PSOs on trains and patrolling the area around the station, instead of being stuck on the platform.

We also need PSOs starting earlier in the day to deter more crime – now they will.

To see PSO deployment times and locations on the network, visit police.vic.gov.au/public-transport-safety.

Mactech Constructions has been named the 2026 HIA Australian Home of the Year – the highest residential building award bestowed each year by the Housing Industry Association (HIA). 

Winners of the 2026 HIA Australian Housing Awards, proudly partnered by CSR were unveiled before 650 industry leaders at the prestigious awards ceremony held as the final night of the HIA 2026 National Conference on the Gold Coast.  

Perched on one of the Gold Coast’s most exposed coastal sites, the winning five-level home transforms a challenging cliff edge into a finely tuned vertical residence. The aptly named Cloudbreak is one half of a duplex, with the home delivering the privacy and permanence of a standalone dwelling.

The home unfolds from the ground up. A basement wellness retreat and cinema are carved directly into the cliff, unexpectedly opening to hinterland views. Above, bedrooms and a master suite give way to open-plan living, before culminating in a rooftop terrace complete with pool, spa and helipad. A ribbon of glass floor panels links every level, drawing daylight deep into the core. The category is partnered by CSR. 

The home also won the HIA Australian Townhouse of the Year, partnered by Ariston. 

The Australian Housing Awards recognised exceptional projects by builders and designers from all around Australia, including: 

Blue Eco Homes, a family-owned construction company in the NSW Blue Mountains, won HIA Australian Professional Small Builder / Renovator. With a deep commitment to ethical building practices, they’ve earned a strong reputation for leading the way in construction, specialising in sustainable new builds and renovations. This category is partnered by Companion Systems. 

Clover Homes won HIA Australian Specialised Housing for a purpose‑built home that has been intentionally designed to foster independence, meaningful engagement and genuine comfort for individuals living with dementia. With a domestic‑scale layout, the residence provides warmth and familiarity while ensuring residents receive personalised, 24/7 support. This category is partnered by Merlin Garage Door Openers.

Craig Linke won HIA Australian Kitchen Design for a beautifully executed kitchen that blends French-inspired elegance with modern functionality. Judges praised the exceptional craftsmanship and detailing, particularly the circular island bench, which feels like a sculptural piece of furniture. This category is partnered by Smeg Australia. 

Mable Projects won HIA Australian Start-up Business for its dynamic, ethical approach to delivering high-quality construction across rural and regional communities. With strong leadership, robust systems and a client first culture, the Scone based company has achieved rapid, well-managed growth grounded in purpose, innovation and continuous improvement. This category is partnered by American Express Australia. 

Coastal Builders won HIA Australian Outdoor Project for a standout retreat featuring a curved pool, pool house and premium landscaping. The project blends technical precision with natural elegance, creating a luxury outdoor space that feels effortless and deeply connected to its surroundings. This category is partnered by Toyota for Business. 

HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin congratulated the 2026 HIA Australian Housing Awards winners and praised their remarkable achievements.  

“HIA is committed to recognising the outstanding achievements and talent amongst our members. The HIA Australian Housing Awards allow us to acknowledge winners for their skill and commitment to quality construction, design and material selection.  

“The winning projects redefine what’s possible in terms of innovation; they’re setting new benchmarks for the industry. 

“It’s not only outstanding homes we’ve recognised tonight; we’ve also acknowledged remarkable members who are excelling in business management in our Professional Builder Awards, along with our Emerging Builder from Western Australia and our exceptional apprentices. 

“It is my absolute pleasure to congratulate each winner for their commitment to excellence,” Ms Martin concluded. 

The HIA Australian Housing Awards are the ultimate platform to showcase the talents of the nation’s top builders and designers. Winners are selected from state-based finalists, with awards in 24 separate categories. The Awards are partnered by leading building products company CSR. 

The 31st Bendigo Business Excellence Awards are here, and Be.Bendigo is calling on YOU — to be part of this milestone celebration!

For three decades, these awards have been a platform to showcase, recognise, and celebrate the businesses, teams, and individuals who contribute to the success of Greater Bendigo. Now is your chance to nominate and help shine a light on those making a difference in our community.

Who Can Be Nominated?

• Businesses of all sizes and industries within Greater Bendigo – Whether you’re a startup, a well-established business, or a not-for-profit, there’s a category for you!
• Outstanding teams and employees – Recognise the people behind the success of your business.
• Innovative leaders and entrepreneurs – Those driving change and growth in our region.

Why Nominate?

• Celebrate local businesses that inspire and innovate.
• Boost visibility for your business or a business you admire.
• Strengthen our business community by recognising excellence and best practices.

If you’re a customer, client, business owner, or team member, you are encouraged to take a moment to nominate a business that has left a lasting impact. It’s quick, free, and an incredible way to show your appreciation!

Nominations Close on April 30 – Get Involved Today!

Amazon Australia has signed nine new renewable energy power purchase agreements across New South Wales and Victoria, adding 430MW of new capacity to the National Electricity Market and lifting its total contracted renewable footprint to 990MW nationwide.
The new portfolio spans one wind farm, three utility-scale solar and battery hybrids, four distributed solar-battery projects, and new battery storage at the previously announced Mokoan Solar Farm, strengthening grid reliability while expanding clean, carbon-free energy supply.
This marks Amazon’s largest renewable energy investment in a single year and supports its goal of reaching net-zero carbon across its operations emissions by 2040.
According to BloombergNEF’s latest data, Amazon was the largest corporate purchaser of carbon-free energy in Australia for 2025, and one of the leading purchasers worldwide.
Images found here.
Australia, 16 April 2026: Amazon Australia has today announced nine new renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs) across New South Wales and Victoria, adding 430 megawatts (MW) of new carbon-free energy capacity to the National Electricity Market. This brings the company’s total investment in the country to 20 renewable energy projects, with a combined capacity of 990MW once fully operational—enough to power the equivalent of more than half a million Australian households annually.
The newly signed portfolio includes one wind farm, three utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) hybrid projects, four distributed solar-BESS hybrids, and a new battery installation at the previously announced Mokoan Solar Farm, strengthening grid reliability while expanding the supply of clean energy.
From 2020 to 2025, Amazon invested an estimated AU$2.8 billion in renewable energy projects in Australia with BloombergNEF recognising Amazon as the largest corporate purchaser of carbon-free energy in Australia in 2025.
The Muswellbrook solar farm is located on rehabilitated or brownfield land, including sites redeveloped from former coal mining areas, contributing to environmental restoration outcomes. Others incorporate agricultural co-use, such as livestock grazing between panels, demonstrating that renewable energy infrastructure can coexist with farming and support regional economies.
Eight of the nine deals also incorporate battery storage, representing Amazon’s first solar-battery hybrid projects in Australia, and a first for this type of project for the company outside of the United States.
Amazon’s investment in BESS comes at a pivotal moment in Australia’s energy transition, as both governments and industry are scaling storage solutions to stabilise the grid, balance renewable energy supply and demand in real time, and strengthen reliability across the National Electricity Market, adding brand-new sources of carbon-free energy to the power grid that everyone uses—the same grid that powers homes, hospitals, and schools.
Matt O’Rourke, AWS Head of Infrastructure and Energy Policy, Australia and New Zealand, said:
“This is Amazon’s largest single-year renewable energy investment in Australia and brings our total investment in renewable energy projects in Australia to AU$2.8 billion since 2020. We’re proud to be helping accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future.”
“As we expand our cloud and AI infrastructure, we’re powering it not only with carbon-free energy, but also battery storage that strengthens grid reliability and proves data centres can run confidently on an increasingly renewables-based system.”
“These long-term, storage-backed PPAs enable new projects to proceed and help to stabilise electricity costs. These projects help accelerate Australia’s clean energy transition and are part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge goal to reach net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040.”
This latest investment complements Amazon’s previously announced AU$20 billion investment alongside The Hon. Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister, to expand data centre infrastructure in Australia by 2029, strengthening Australia’s cloud and AI capabilities. This landmark investment in expanding data centres in Sydney and Melbourne is supporting the increasing demand for cloud computing and AI, and enabling organisations of all sizes to accelerate AI adoption, innovate, and modernise their operations.
Amazon’s investments in carbon-free energy are part of our Climate Pledge goal to reach net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is also advancing water sustainability initiatives as part of its goal to be water positive by 2030, including treated wastewater solutions for data centre cooling.
Learn more about Amazon’s ongoing commitment to sustainable operations at About Amazon.

Indigo Power is proud to announce the launch of a new community battery at the Cricket Albury Wodonga Indoor Stadium in West Wodonga. The ‘Big Community Battery’ is Indigo Power’s largest solar and battery system to date, sharing power to support its Wodonga customer base.

Supported by the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, the project builds on a successful partnership between Indigo Power and global outdoor apparel company Patagonia. The project delivers sufficient renewable energy to offset Patagonia’s annual consumption and delivers material cost savings for Cricket Albury Wodonga, demonstrating how collaboration between business and community can deliver practical climate solutions while strengthening local outcomes.

The Wodonga community battery includes a 100 kW inverter and 482 kWh of storage capacity. It is co-located with an existing ~98 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed by Indigo Power in 2022, enabling battery charging from onsite renewable energy.

A model for community energy

Delivering projects that directly benefit local communities is central to Indigo Power’s mission. This project highlights how innovative energy solutions can reduce emissions, lower costs, and reinvest value back into the region.

Ben McGowan, Indigo Power’s Managing Director said this project shows what’s possible when communities, businesses and government work together.

“We’re not just generating clean energy, we’re keeping the value local, lowering costs and building more resilient regional energy systems.

“Adding battery storage takes this Cricket Albury Wodonga and Patagonia collaboration to the next level. Storing renewable energy at the site allows more locally generated renewable energy to be used when and where it’s needed most.”

The original solar installation was developed in partnership with Patagonia, which sought to offset the annual electricity consumption of its Australian operations. Through Indigo Power’s energy-sharing software and a power purchase agreement (PPA), renewable energy generated at the stadium supports Patagonia’s stores and offices nationwide.

Since its installation, the solar system has more than enough to cover the electricity consumed across Patagonia’s Australian sites during the same timeframe.

Expanding impact with battery storage

The addition of the community battery significantly enhances the project by enabling energy storage, adding site backup power, and increasing the proportion of locally generated renewable energy used on-site or shared with others.

The battery will:

• Supply the stadium with low-cost, locally stored electricity
• Provide backup power capability
• Continue supplying Patagonia under the existing PPA
• Enable energy sharing with local Indigo Power customers

Cricket Albury Wodonga is already benefiting from reduced energy costs, with savings reinvested into community development programs, including pathways for junior male and female cricketers across the region.

Cricket Albury Wodonga Chairman Michael Erdeljac said the project is a fantastic outcome for the organisation and the community. “Reducing our energy costs means we can reinvest more into developing cricket across the region, particularly supporting pathways for junior players both boys and girls,” Mr Erdeljac said.

“The addition of the battery takes this to the next level. It gives us greater energy security and ensures we’re making the most of the solar energy generated right here on our roof.”

Commissioned in December 2025, the Wodonga community battery is now fully operational and actively supporting the local energy network.

Sport, energy and community impact

Nearly 70% of sporting clubs are struggling with rising energy costs (Clubs Under Pressure Report, 2023), and many cricket clubs across Australia are transitioning to renewable energy to reduce expenses and future-proof their operations. Cricket for Climate is a player-led movement focused on driving practical climate action through cricket and its communities. The organisation collaborates with communities, fans, government, business and other sports to build resilience for community clubs and the game and normalise energy and climate solutions through cricket.

Celebrating the project completion, Joanne Bowen, CEO of Cricket for Climate, said: “We’re seeing real momentum as sport steps into the energy conversation. Cricket clubs are trusted and deeply connected to their communities, making them powerful platforms for change. When business, government and communities come together like this, we’re not only cutting emissions, we’re helping future-proof the game with savings flowing straight back into clubs to support junior and female participation programs”.

This project was made possible through funding from the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.