Regional Energy Accord Roundtables
The Regional Energy Accord Roundtables are the foundation for genuine collaboration between energy business and communities and co-designing a framework that transforms how the energy sector engages with and delivers lasting benefit to regional Australia. Through these workshops, we’re building a unified vision that ensures regional voices help shape Australia’s clean energy future, creating shared value for all.
NSW Roundtables
From November 2025 to March 2026, we took the Regional Energy Accord Roundtables to NSW. We heard from 250+ business, community and youth leaders, Firat Nations, industry and government representatives from the Riverina + Murray, Central-West Orana and New England.
Riverina + Murray – led by Local Leaders Rachel Whiting, CEO RDA Riverina and Sarimah Hellyer, CEO RDA Murray
In November 2025, we took the Regional Energy Accord to New South Wales, commencing in Wagga Wagga, co-led by Rachel and Sarimah. 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.
Central-West Orana – led by Local Leader and CEO of RDA Orana Justine Campbell
In February 2026, we held the Central-West Orana Roundtable in Mudgee, with the support of 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.
New England – led by Local Leader Dr Lou Conway
On 2 March 2026, we headed to Armidale for the New England Roundtables, supported by 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.
Upper Hunter – led by Local Leader Kirsty O’Connell
On 4 March 2026, we headed to Muswelbrook – our last stop for the NSW-leg of the Regional Energy Accord Roundtables.
The conversation centred on how the communities of the Upper Hunter can navigate the next phase of industrial and economic change.
One message came through clearly: the region’s future prosperity depends on harnessing the opportunities of the energy transition, learning from past cycles, and protecting what makes the Upper Hunter unique.
Find out more about the Upper Hunter Roundtable in the Report Back.
Victorian Roundtables
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.