When it comes to renewables, what's in it for the regions? How can hosts of renewable energy technology benefit from transition? How can we make sure that transition policy considers those in the regions as well as cities?

How we talk about renewables in our regional communities matters. We need to build trust in the regions where major infrastructure such as wind, solar, batteries, hydro and the transmission lines are urgently needed as ageing coal fired power stations close and we decarbonise the economy. RE-Alliance has been working with regional communities for more than a decade and plays a unique role in Australia's energy sector - recognised as one of the leading voices on community engagement. For our eighth webinar in the Perspectives on Transition series, join National Director Andrew Bray and Communications Director Kitty Walker as they talk through a new communications approach, following a major research project across regional Australia.

ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew has been the National Director of RE-Alliance since 2013. In that time, he has built the organisation to become the leading voice advocating for regional communities in issues around the energy transition, especially transmission, community benefit sharing and addressing impacts on local communities. In 2021, Andrew was awarded the Clean Energy Council's Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award for his long standing work in these areas. Based in one of New South Wales' prime wind districts, the Southern Tablelands, Andrew is passionate about the contribution renewable energy can make to rural and regional economies while helping Australia transition to a cleaner future.

ABOUT KITTY

Kitty is the Communications Director at RE-Alliance. She has spent her career working across Australia’s not-for-profit sector in communications, strategy, fundraising and community engagement. Having lived most of her life in regional communities and now based on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Kitty is extremely passionate about the power of communities to enact positive change. In 2019 she founded Queenscliffe Climate Action Now (QCAN) and drove a community-led process to develop a local roadmap to net zero. She is committed to using her skills to secure a renewable energy transformation for Australia, that delivers long-term benefits and opportunities.