Powering our communities

by JAMES POYNER
22nd June 2026

NEW COMMUNITY batteries have been installed at Council and Community Facilities across Manningham and Nillumbik.
Both municipalities have been able to do this as part of the State Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.
In Manningham, the new batteries have been installed at Mullum Mullum Stadium, MC Square, and the Manningham Council Depot.
In Nillumbik, the battery, along with a new solar panel system, has been installed at the Hurstbridge Football and Cricket Pavilion.
The 38.3kW solar system and 240kWh battery can provide up to 48 hours of back-up power, which, along with access to showers, refrigeration, and device charging, allows the Pavilion to become an energy resilience hub during major power outages or emergency events.
Nillumbik Mayor 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.
“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.”

In Manningham, the new batteries are being used to stabilise the local electricity network.
Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas said as more households and businesses switch to solar, storing excess energy becomes just as important as generating it.

“These community batteries capture surplus solar power produced on site and release it when demand is higher,”
“This helps stabilise the local electricity network and makes better use of renewable energy already being produced in Manningham.
“The result is a more resilient energy system, one that supports both Council operations and the broader community as we transition to cleaner energy.”