First Nations Clean Energy Solutions

As Australia transitions to renewable energy, First Nations communities experiencing extreme energy insecurity, risk being left behind. Original Power and Ngardara Collective are working to establish microgrids, presenting a model for sustainable, long-term and feasible renewables development that prioritises environment, social equity and economic resilience, which will enable First Nations communities across Australia to transition to regenerative energy solutions.

Join CDU, Original Power, Ngardara Collective and GARUWA to discuss sustainable power solutions for remote communities with Cynthia Coyne (Djukun, Yawuru and Jaru-Kitja Peoples), PhD researcher in community management strategies to support renewable energy in remote off-grid Indigenous communities in Western Australia; Conrad Rory (Yanyuwa), Chairperson, Ngardara Cooperative; Scott McDinny (Garrwa), Director, Ngardara Cooperative; Lauren Mellor, Clean Energy Communities Coordinator, Original Power; Garrwa woman Aunty Shirley Simon; Annie Taylor (Yanyuwa/Garrwa), Director, Ngardara Collective, and Professor Suresh Thennadil, Pro Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Science and Technology.

The panel will be moderated by Genevieve Grieves (Worimi), co-founder and Creative Director of GARUWA. 

Light refreshments provided. 

Supported by Charles Darwin University, Research Institute of Environment and Livelihoods and the Energy Research Institute.

________________

Original Power

Original Power is a community-focused, Aboriginal organisation that builds the collective power of our people and backs our leadership, skills and capacity to genuinely achieve self-determination in our community and on Country. Our mission is to build the power, skills, capacity and collective capability of our people to genuinely self determine what happens in our communities and on our Country. So often, our people know the solutions. We just need the time, resources and support to make them a reality. 

Ngardara Cooperative

Ngardara means sun in the local Garrwa and Yanyuwa dialect, and the Ngardara Project is an innovative community-led approach to renewable electricity for the remote Northern Territory township of Borroloola.

Assessing the Project’s technical and commercial viability is supported by a two-year Commonwealth-funded feasibility study into more resilient energy systems in remote areas. This study could provide a blueprint for everyone going forward.

GARUWA

GARUWA is a First Nations owned, values-led storytelling agency. Founded by Worimi siblings Genevieve Grieves and Kieran Satour, GARUWA (Ga-Roo-Wa) means ocean in Gathang, their mother tongue. GARUWA holds the deep, rich stories of First Nations knowledges and culture, central to our way of being. Grounded in collaborative and holistic approaches, the diverse group of creatives work ethically and respectfully to share stories that make change and create a better future for generations to come.

Research Institute of Environment and Livelihoods

The Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) is based at Charles Darwin University. RIEL is nationally and globally recognised as a leader in tropical savanna research in north Australia. The Northern Territory is a diverse mosaic of natural habitats and Indigenous history that have been interlinked for millennia.

Our research spans tropical, semi-arid and arid regions and the livelihoods of the communities who rely on them. Sustainable management is needed to preserve these environments and the biodiversity they support. Sound policy, planning and management must be based on world-class scientific evidence.

Energy Research Institute

The Energy and Resources Institute (ERI) provides high-quality research and consultancy for all aspects of energy and resources, including engineering, scientific, economic, environmental, social, community, legal, policy and digital considerations.

Fuelling Innovation in energy and resource sectors through cutting-edge research and expert consultancy, ERI enables the industry to develop and adopt carbon abatement, net-zero and sustainable solutions.

________________

Image: Scott McDinny and Lauren Mellor installing solar at Mumathumburru (West Island). Photographer: Rachel Mounsey.