POWER OF COMMUNITY - Yarrayne / Guildford Vic

POWER OF COMMUNITY - Yarrayne / Guildford Vic

DATES 12-14 March 2026

LOCATION Yarrayne / Guildford on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in the Victorian Central Goldfields region. The Friday main seminar day will be at the Guildford Public Hall, 32 Fryers St, Guildford Victoria

CPD 6 formal points available on the Friday

THE EVENT
RAA’s first event for 2026 will focus on systems that support sustainability across various scales of community, business, and development. This gathering will explore both current and emerging systems, investigating the interplay between technological advancements and the essential community and individual resolve that drives change. We will examine a range of diverse case studies, particularly highlighting instances where communities have successfully leveraged their collective influence to advocate for their future.

The event’s co-creative directors are Mechanical Engineer Robert Mierisch, bringing over 20 years of experience in sustainable technologies and distributed thermal storage, and Emily Knight, an Architect and dedicated sustainability expert. Together, they are crafting a program designed to inspire, inform, and equip delegates to become instigators of change within their own communities.

THE LOCATION
Yarrayne / Guildford is a town on the Loddon River established in the 1850s gold rush, located 140kms north west of Melbourne and equidistant from the regional centres of Bendigo and Ballarat. Guildford, once the home to 6,000 miners, and now home to 350, retains its historic character with its preserved goldfields-era buildings like the Guildford Hotel. It is located within 20km of 2 significant community energy projects: the Hepburn Wind Project (operation from 2011) which was the first community wind project in Australia; and the Newstead Community energy project - a solar farm with a 5MWh battery storage system with aspirations to achieve 100% renewable energy for the town. 

FRINGE EVENTS | THURSDAY 12TH & SATURDAY 14TH MARCH
A fringe program of optional events is being provided on the Thursday and Saturday offering the opportunity to engage with the local area in a fun and relaxing way. Fringe event registration is now available and Full Event ticket holders have access to all fringe events at no additional charge.

RAA events are open to associated disciplines and interested community members as well as RAA members.

RAA members attending can access a 10% discount on Non Member tickets for fellow practice staff. Discount code is available in member area.

*Please note that event program and details are subject to change.