Traditional Owners launch second successful solar and battery project

Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Corp has installed a 32.4kW solar system and 14 kilowatt-hour battery on the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre, marking the second installation of a government-supported renewable system helping Traditional Owners in the transition to green energy.

The Nyuawi Mutjeka energy strategy – Nyuawi Mutjeka meaning ‘to keep the sun’ – pledges to reverse historical harms and pursue opportunities for renewable energy production and consumption in Aboriginal communities.

Victoria’s Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program (TOREP), announced by Victoria’s Labor Party in November 2020, provides $1.1 million in grant funding. Eligible parties can apply for up to $100,000 each. However, the current round of grants is now closed for new applications.

To date, nine Registered Aboriginal Parties have received funding for a range of renewable energy community projects to be delivered by June 2023.

“Congratulations to DJARRA for Nyuawi Mutjeka, an historic renewable energy strategy and solar battery project, set to slash energy bills and emissions while advancing self-determination and economic independence,” said Victorian energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.

In March, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corp installed two integrated solar energy generation and storage systems − a 15kW-48kWH solar-battery system in Ballan and a 7.4kW-13kWh system in Ballarat, the first renewable project completed with the help of TOREP funding.