The 2025 Annual Program cohort concluded their final program day in Yackandandah last week, exploring renewable energy and what it means for us individually, and collectively as communities.
Tony Mahar, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, joined via Zoom, providing perspectives on his role in overseeing national energy infrastructure and sharing perspectives on how decisions are made, where communities can have a voice, and the complexities of balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Matthew Charles-Jones, founding member and past Chair of Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY), shared his personal insights, weaving in his experiences with those of community-led progress toward renewable energy, and reflecting on the persistence, partnerships, and local leadership that have driven change.
In the afternoon, Susan Benedyka facilitated an advocacy skills workshop, guiding participants to consider how they can influence decisions and strengthen outcomes in their own communities.
The day concluded with a visit to YCDCo: Yackandandah Community Development Company, where Mark McKenzie-McHarg discussed the cooperative’s evolution and its continued role in supporting local enterprise and community life.
The cohort will come together for their Closing Retreat, with the celebration of their Graduation closing out the year on Wednesday 12 November — join us by registering via: https://bit.ly/2025endofyear
