Sustainable Upper Ovens

12/04/2026

Investing in a high-quality solar PV system, including professional installation and reliable after-sales service, is an important step towards reducing your energy costs.

However, the investment is substantial, and you have questions!

- What rebates or financial support is available to me for solar systems?
- How do I scope a solar system for my energy needs?
- What type of battery will I need?
- What are the likely running costs?
- Will my panels get trashed if there’s a hailstorm or if a tree falls on them?
- Will my house insurance cover my solar system?

You might even want to know if you can charge your electric vehicle from your domestic solar system.

These are all valid questions – and we can help!

Contact us at [email protected] for a free, no-obligation discussion about your needs. If you decide to go ahead with solar, we can help put you in touch with experienced local installers.

www.sustainableupperovens.org.au

Alpex Electrical Electrify Wangaratta Porepunkah People’s Market

26/02/2026

♻️ Got medicinal blister packs to recycle? ♻️ Thanks to funding from Bendigo Community Bank Bright, you can now recycle them at Bright Pharmacy!

By recycling your blister packs, they can be processed and turned into new products - reducing landfill waste and supporting a circular economy.

✅ Please make sure your blister packs are:
• Empty
• Clean
• Dry

🚫 We cannot accept:
• Aluminium-only blister packs - these can be scrunched into a ball and recycled with other foil in your home kerbside recycling bin ➡️ See our video below!
• Cardboard packaging - please recycle at home
• Pill bottles – please recycle at home
• Sharps
• Medication

Thank you for helping reduce waste and supporting local sustainability initiatives! 🌱

29/01/2026

11/12/2025

Pop down to the first Porepunkah People’s Market happening tomorrow from 9am-1pm. There'll be a fantastic range of stallholders, food, fresh produce and more!

30/11/2025

🌱 We’ve got a gresh new look! 🌱
Sustainable Upper Ovens Inc is excited to announce the launch of our redeveloped website!

Our new site is designed to help make it easier for our community to access practical tips and resources for building climate resilience.

✅ Explore topics like energy efficiency, electrification, and the practical steps on how to prepare your home.
✅ Updates on Alpine Shire’s climate initiatives
✅ Discover local events and workshops SUO is hosting - because tackling climate change starts with all of us working together.

This upgrade was made possible due to the support of Alpine Shire Council Community Grants Program.

👉 Visit us now: https://sustainableupperovens.org.au/

21/05/2025

📣 Sustainable Upper Ovens Meeting – This Sunday!

Apologies for the short notice, but we’re holding a Sustainable Upper Ovens Committee meeting this Sunday, 25 May and all are welcome!

🗓 Date: Sunday 25 May 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
📍 Location: Bright Community Centre (enter via the U3A entrance)

We'll be discussing three exciting new grant opportunities that could support current and future projects in our region. There’ll also be time to raise other ideas or initiatives, so come along and have your say!

💡Heading to the Community Energy Network Meeting in Benalla?
SUO Co-Chair Dennis Lambert will be attending the meeting in Benalla on Friday, 23 May at 1:00pm. The network connects community energy groups across North East Victoria. If you want a lift, Dennis is happy to carpool—email [email protected] if you’re interested in coming along. Or, you can join via Zoom.

More info here: https://eocampaign1.com/web-version?p=0fbac298-2f19-11f0-bfdd-03008f330d7f&pt=campaign&t=1747089957&s=f6ca7a31dc2e71d35231896784c2f3227c984b1d270e2d6083ae2300b951801c

06/05/2025

⚡INDIGO POWER CAPITAL RAISE⚡
Did you know that over the past three to four years, SUO has benefited from the support provided by Indigo Power, free of charge? You may have heard in our reports and in the local media, our communities are also set to benefit from the recently announced ARENA grant funding to the value of $4.2M for the delivery of ten batteries from Tumbarumba to Warburton—but they need to raise the $1.5M required for their co-contribution first.

Indigo Power is now seeking our support. While this opportunity has been open for a little while, it’s not too late to get involved. Please take a moment to read the info below—they would greatly value your interest and support.🙏

26/04/2025

🔌 Rewiring your home = saving money + building energy resilience 💰⚡

Where are you on your all-electric journey?
What’s your next step?

✅ Plan ahead: Start budgeting now to replace aging gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives. Each switch you make is a step toward long-term savings.

☀️ Solar panels are a game-changer. Though the upfront cost can be high, a 5–10kW system can save you $500–$1,800 annually, offering a return on investment of 8–15%.

🔥 Heat pump hot water systems cost more initially, but are incredibly efficient—especially for families—offering ROI between 10–20%.

🌬️ Split-system air conditioners powered by solar PV can heat and cool your home cheaply, sometimes for free.

🍳 Induction cooking is not only fast and energy-efficient, it’s safer and doesn’t release harmful indoor pollutants like gas stoves do.

🔋 Solar batteries offer added energy security, helping store power for use during blackouts or peak times.

🚗 Electric vehicles (EVs) batteries can store excess solar power and cut your fuel costs by up to $3,000 annually.

Plan your all-electric journey and visit Rewiring Australia to get started.