In the transition to energy net zero, culturally and linguistically diverse communities can be particularly vulnerable to disadvantage.
Through its Grants Program, Energy Consumers Australia supported the Sydney Community Forum in its work engaging diverse migrant communities, ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively participate in, and benefit from, renewable energy.
Its Voices for Power CALD Community Engagement in Energy Transition project has supported approximately 50 migrant community leaders build their knowledge and skills around energy advocacy as well as the technologies available to support a just and equitable transition for all.
Community leaders have then been able to run information sessions in their own languages for their communities, helping thousands of households as well as small business owners improve the energy efficiency of their homes and premises and reduce bills in the process. The sessions have also focused on introducing consumers to new technologies and initiatives they may have previously been unaware of, such as the low-income solar scheme.
In addition to removing the barriers that prevent some consumers from participating in the energy transition, Voices for Power has a track record of engaging effectively with NSW ministers and officials to highlight issues facing their communities. Its ability to mobilise has been impressive – it brought 2000 people to a Sydney Town Hall meeting with the NSW Energy Minister that canvased energy issues relevant to their communities.
Project priorities over the coming year include the continued roll out of culturally safe and appropriate training sessions in leadership and advocacy for community leaders throughout Western and South-Western Sydney. Table talks and listening activities were held with a broad cross-section of CALD communities to surface energy related concerns, issues, needs and priorities.
This project aligns with Energy Consumers Australia’s Strategic Plan – not only the need to ensure that residential and small business communities benefit from the transition, but that no one is left behind in the transition to net zero.
