Powering community resilience in Hurstbridge

Published on 02 June 2026

The Hurstbridge community is better prepared for power outages following the official opening of a new solar and battery system at the Hurstbridge Football and Cricket Pavilion on Friday 29 May.

The project, delivered with $304,000 funding from the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, includes a 38.3kW solar system paired with a 240kWh battery. The system can provide up to 48 hours of back-up power.

The new system was officially opened during the club’s regular training session, attended by Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner, Junior President Megan Harris-Ioannidis and Secretary, Joanne Worsfield from the Hurstbridge Football Netball Club, Secretary Dan Nemec from the Hurstbridge Cricket Club, players and community members.

In her remarks, Megan Harris-Ioannidis acknowledged Hurstbridge Football Netball Club President Taylor Hopkins, who was unable to attend, and welcomed the milestone on behalf of the club.

As an energy resilience hub, its clubs can help the community during major outages, by providing access to showers, refrigeration and device charging.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said the project would deliver long-term benefits for both the club and the broader community.

“This is a huge win for the Hurstbridge Football Netball Club and Hurstbridge Cricket Club and the wider Hurstbridge and surrounds community,” Cr Joiner said.

“It gives people a place to come when there’s a major power outage, and at the same time sets the pavilion up for the future. Cheaper, more reliable power means lower running costs for the clubs – putting more money back into sport and not into electricity bills.”

The project also contributes to Council’s climate action goals by strengthening local energy resilience and reducing emissions across the community.

Council supports residents and community groups to reduce energy use and improve sustainability at home and in their business. Free expert advice is available through Nillumbik’s Energy and Sustainable Living Advisory Service.

To find out more or make a booking, visit: nillumbik.vic.gov.au/sustainable-living-advice

L-R: Carl Cowie Nillumbik CEO, Daniel Nemec, Secretary, Hurstbridge Cricket Club, Megan Harris-Ioannidis, Junior President Hurstbridge Football Netball Club, Cr Naomi Joiner Nillumbik Mayor, Cr Kim Cope, Joanne Worsfield, Secretary, Hurstbridge Football Netball Club.