Category: Events

The Ku-ring-gai Community and Business Energy Summit 2026, ‘Clean Energy,
Stronger Community, Thriving Business – understanding the energy transition
what it means for your business and community’, presented by EnergyZE North
Shore in partnership with the Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce was held on 8 April
2026 at the Greengate Hotel in Killara.

The event focused on practical local action for the energy transition, targeting
business leaders and community members. It highlighted the energy transition as an
immediate issue affecting local investment, business and households, rather than a
distant policy goal.

Dr. Cathy Foley, former Australian Chief Scientist, delivered the keynote address on
energy strategy, risk management, and leadership in a changing economy.  She
referred to clean, green energy as a sovereign asset for Australia. To capitalise on
the opportunities, Australia needs appropriate policy settings, sustained investment
and community engagement to solve the challenging problems along the way. Every
business can play its part—by embracing the energy transition directly to reduce
costs and deliver environmental benefits, and by contributing to clean, green supply
chains.

With renewables now the lowest-cost energy source, continued investment
(including in technologies not expected to mature until around 2040) and faster-than-
expected progress in storage and electrification—such as EVs becoming the most
cost-effective personal transport by 2050—will shape how the transition unfolds.
She also noted the growing importance of mandatory climate reporting (including
Scope 1, 2 and, increasingly, Scope 3), and the need for strong measurement
integrity to avoid double counting of emissions data.

For business and the community, she emphasised practical steps: understand
energy costs and tariffs, measure carbon footprints, and develop a staged plan to
decarbonise while engaging customers, suppliers and local stakeholders.

Jenny Merkley, Acting Deputy Secretary, Energy, Climate Change and
Sustainability, NSW DCCEEW, gave an overview of the NSW Government’s
Decarbonisation Policy’s strategies and programs. It was interesting to learn more
about the Consumer Energy Strategy including the Home Energy Saver Program
and Energy Security Safeguard and its role in strengthening NSW’s energy
resilience and reliability.

Peter Vun, Ku-ring-gai Council’s Program Lead, Energy Management and Net Zero
Strategy spoke on ‘Our Energy Future now’ and provided insight into the role of LGA
leadership in advancing practical energy management and net zero outcomes. He
connected policy implementation and community benefit ( e.g. Ku-ring-gai’s
Council’s rebates and public EV charger roll-out) noting the ‘urgency yet opportunity’
in this energy transition.

Nicolette Boele, Federal Member for Bradfield, chaired the Panel discussion
“Powering Tomorrow Together – the local path to a clean energy future”, focusing on
community-led initiatives and accelerating renewable energy adoption.  A clean
energy expert herself, she chaired with humour and pragmatism the panel
comprising Dr Kate Wilson, Jenny Merkley, Tim Buckley and Rod Sharples. The
discussion and following Q and A aimed to provide actionable steps for businesses
to reduce energy costs and strengthen resilience.

EnergyZE member and Climate and Sustainability Advisor, Dr Kate Wilson spoke
on the link between science, policy and practical action at the community levels,
connecting broader sustainability challenges with achievable local outcomes.

EnergyZE member Rod Sharples brought a community focused perspective to the
discussion focusing on practical local action. He encouraged communities and
households to participate in the energy transition via small changes in behaviour and
choices such as installing a battery, solar or heat pump, or move from gas to
electricity when upgrading appliances.

Tim Buckley, Director, Clean Energy Finance, spoke on energy markets, risk and
the financial realities of energy tradition and referred to real case examples such as
China’s transition to renewables. He connected global trends with practical
implications for local businesses and communities.

The Energy Summit was supported by Ku-ring-gai Council’s Environmental Levy Net
Zero Grant and served as a forum for networking and developing a co-ordinated
local approach to the clean energy future.

On Wednesday 26 June 2025, EnergyZE North Shore Inc hosted an engaging online webinar titled Solar Made Simple: Solar, Batteries and Rebates, led by local volunteers Jill Whitehouse and Beverley Gwatkin. The session attracted 20 keen attendees from the local area, all curious to learn more about how they could make the switch to solar – and start saving.

The session walked through the essentials: how solar and battery systems work, what system size might suit your home, and how you can take advantage of available government rebates and incentives. Jill and Beverley also unpacked the ins and outs of virtual power plants (VPPs), highlighted the importance of choosing a trusted installer, and shared two real-life case studies of North Shore households that have recently transitioned to solar.

A key highlight was the discussion of the new federal rebate for batteries (starting 1 July 2025), which covers up to 30% of installation costs for eligible systems. This prompted thoughtful questions from attendees during the Q&A, especially from those considering whether now is the right time to add a battery to their existing solar setup.

If you missed the event or want to revisit the resources, you can view the webinar slides here: Solar Made Simple – Webinar Slides (PDF)

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. We’re proud to be part of a growing local movement supporting clean energy, and we’re here to help make the transition simpler for others in our community.

To stay in the loop about future events or resources, visit energyze.org.au or follow us on LinkedIn.

On May 23rd 2024, EnergyZE North Shore Inc hosted ‘Practical Solutions to reduce your Power Bill and Carbon Footprint’ at the Killara Bowling Club where over 70 local residents gathered to dive into the pressing issue of our time: reducing power bills while saving the planet!

The event featured three dynamic speakers who didn’t just inform: they inspired us to act. First up was Dr Kate Wilson, a Ku-ring-gai local and a scientist with experience that’s hard to match. With eight years at the helm of the NSW Government’s environmental science initiatives, she didn’t sugarcoat the situation. The path to keeping global temperatures from skyrocketing past the critical 1.5-degree mark is narrow, but it’s still within our grasp. Kate emphasised that hitting net zero requires more than just policy tweaks or tech fixes: it’s about mobilising people power and making everyone part of the solution. Download Kate’s presentation slides here.

Next, Kristen McDonald, the Mobilisation and Engagement Manager at Rewiring Australia, took the stage with a call to action that was impossible to ignore. With nearly two decades of experience in climate, environmental and social justice campaigns – including right here in Ku-ring-gai – Kristen painted a clear picture: electrifying our homes is the key to slashing emissions. She dropped a statistic that hit home: more than 45% of Ku-ring-gai’s emissions come from electricity and gas usage in our homes. The good news? We have the power to change that, by electrifying our homes and cars and installing rooftop solar and in doing so, create a zero-emissions future. Download Kristen’s presentation slides here.

Rounding out the trio was Mayor Sam Ngai, who besides holding degrees in Software Engineering and Accounting, is nearing completion of a Master of Laws (Environmental Law and Sustainable Development). The Mayor showcased the tangible steps the Council has already taken to lead the charge toward a sustainable future. From economic to health and environmental initiatives, Sam detailed the practical support available to residents to help them future-proof their homes and save money in the process. Download Sam’s presentation slides here.

In short, this wasn’t just another community meeting: it was a rallying cry for local action, proof that together, we can spark a revolution using our own rooftops!

St Ives was buzzing with energy on Saturday, 30th September 3023, as over 1,500 residents came together for the inaugural Sustainable Futures Day co-ordinated by Ku-ring-gai Council. The event wasn’t just a gathering—it was a movement in the making, where locals got the chance to chat with the inspiring Net Zero Champions, including our very own EnergyZE group about how to transform their homes into eco-friendly, low-cost havens.

The event was powered by 48 passionate Net Zero Champions—volunteers who are on a mission to spread the word about sustainability far and wide. And the best part? You can join them! Whether you’re ready to dive in headfirst or just want to dip your toes in, there’s a spot for you. You could lend a hand at an event, or roll up your sleeves with one of two dedicated groups focused on driving real change:

1. Net Zero Action Collective: Dive into community electrification projects, participate in local solar talks, and check out the latest in EV car displays.
2. Waste less, compost more: Get involved with recycling and reuse projects, clothing and toy swaps, and support the Ku-ring-gai Composting Network.

This is a pilot community project open to everyone aged 16 and up, so if you’ve got a passion for the planet, you’re in.

Next event: Sustainable Futures Day 2024

Date: Saturday, 19 October 2024 | 10am to 3pm

For more information or to get involved visit https://www.netzero.krg.nsw.gov.au/Community-Hub

EnergyZE North Shore Inc. was delighted to be included in a stellar lineup of speakers from community organisations, business, government and non-government agencies alike, who gathered to talk about how they are driving change for a greener and more sustainable future.

The inaugural Environmental and Sustainable Forum and Awards event was hosted by Lions District 201N5 on 4th November 2023.

Presentations included EnergyZE’s promotion of household solar power and batteries; the Salvation Army sharing their efforts in the recycling of aluminium lids to reduce landfill waste and to raise money to purchase wheelchairs for kids with disabilities; Turramurra Lions and Leo’s, highlighting their achievements in clean-up activities and park care; the decades long work of Cleanup Australia to a true innovator business, Gathera, leaders in reducing water consumption to grow food through innovative strategies. All speakers demonstrated the power of actions big and small to move to a more sustainable world.

Underlining the importance of government support to achieve our community sustainability goals, representatives in attendance were:

• Barbara Ward, Gordon Councillors, Ku-ring-gai Council
• Matt Cross, State Member, Davidson
• Ray Williams, State Member, Kellyville