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.
In February 2026, we held the Central-West Orana Roundtable in Mudgee, with the support of Local Champion and CEO of RDA Orana Justine Campbell.
What stood out most was the region’s readiness to take the lead in the next phase of the energy transition, with participants focused on identifying system‑wide solutions that deliver long‑term benefits for regional communities.
Find out more about the Central-West Orana Roundtable in the Report Back and video.
On 2 March 2026, we headed to Armidale for the New England Roundtables, supported by Local Leader Dr Lou Conway.
Eighty business, community and youth leaders explored how a Regional Energy Accord could help move from conversation about the energy transition to action and deliver lasting benefits for the region.
Leaders from across the three Roundtables were clear: the energy transition is coming and the New England intends to shape it.
Find out more about the New England Roundtable in the Report Back and video.
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.