Victorian Roundtables
“The journey is as important as the outcome”…
During August 2025, we heard from 150+ diverse community voices including mayors, councillors, academics, industry, unions, health, tourism, agriculture, small businesses and First Nations representatives across regional Victoria in Gippsland, North East Victoria and the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
Gippsland – led by Local Champion Karen Cain, former CEO Latrobe Valley Authority
In Morwell on 5 August 2025, people spoke about their pride, capability, and readiness to lead, if the commitment is long-term and trust is honoured.
Explore the full Report Back and watch the Roundtable video to get a sense of the day, hear directly from participants and see what an Accord could mean in Gippsland.
North East Victoria – led by Local Champion Matt Charles-Jones, Chair Totally Renewable Yackandandah
In Yackandandah on 6-7 August 2025, participants demonstrated that when communities act with agency and a clear purpose, they can shape the transition on their own terms.
Read the Report Back and watch the Roundtable video to hear the ideas, perspectives and possibilities explored by the region’s leaders.
Wimmera Southern Mallee – led by Local Champion Chris Sounness, CEO WSM Development
In Horsham on 20–21 August 2025, regional leaders and community members spoke candidly about the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. Their message was clear: trust, fairness and shared purpose are essential.
Read the full Report Back and watch the Roundtable video to hear from our participants in the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
Next stop: NSW
The Regional Energy Accord is heading to New South Wales. We are delighted to be working with Local Champion Justine Campbell, CEO RDA Orana for the Mudgee Roundtable and on the Wagga Wagga Roundtable, co-led by Local Champions Rachel Whiting, CEO RDA Riverina and Sarimah Hellyer, CEO RDA Murray. We are also working with Local Champions in the New England and Upper Hunter regions.
As with Victoria, these Roundtables bring together regional leaders, energy businesses, government and community voices to tackle the big opportunities and challenges in the transition — from social licence and landholder experience to regional jobs, skills, energy equity and community resilience.
Stay tuned for progress across NSW as we continue to listen and learn on what a Regional Energy Accord can look like!