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.
NSW Roundtables
In November 2025, we took the Regional Energy Accord to New South Wales, commencing in Wagga Wagga, co-led by Local Champions Rachel Whiting, CEO RDA Riverina and Sarimah Hellyer, CEO RDA Murray. Hear from our Riverina + Murray participants in this short video and the report backs:
The strongest message to emerge was around the importance of fairness, respect and regional leadership which is exactly what the Regional Energy Accord is designed to support.
We are delighted to be working with Local Champion Justine Campbell, CEO RDA Orana and Local Champions in the New England and Upper Hunter regions, with Roundtables to be held in Mudgee, Armidale and Muswellbrook early in 2026.
Stay tuned for progress across NSW as we continue to listen and learn about what a Regional Energy Accord can look like!