Loch Resilience Project

07/10/2026

It was an early start this morning at 7.00 am at the LOCH Memorial Reserve with President Frank Springer meeting Mick Klose and the rest of the team from Hayespower Electrics to start work on a major new solar and battery installation.

The Reserve will soon be able to operate as a community resilience hub in times of emergency. In addition, two portable batteries will be presented next month to the committees of the Loch Public Hall and LCDA as back-up power at the hall and Loch Village Community Hub, also home to our community-run Post Office.

The first stage of the Loch Resilience Project has been made possible thanks to a major grant from AusNet's Energy Resilience Community Fund in July this year, and the expertise and practical support of our project partner Mycelia.

Mycelia will be facilitating and documenting an emergency preparedness workshop in early December with the Reserve, Public Hall and LCDA committees, with the support of the Loch CFA Fire and Rescue and South Gippsland Shire Council's Emergency Management Team.

The First 72 Hour preparedness plans will be shared with our community at a second workshop in late January 2027. Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate the completion of the first stage of the Loch Resilience Project. Watch this space and make sure you read the Loch Express for details!

Photos: Tony Gardner, Mycelia's Renewable Energy and Electrification Coordinator, Karen Raabe, Loch Resilience Project Co-convenor with Mitch and the rest of the Hayespower Electrics team. Great progress today fellas. Many thanks!


Gippsland Sentinel-Times

05/08/2026

Our community of Loch received one of 15 major grants allocated by AusNet statewide.

We are currently finalising the funding agreement with AusNet and expect that the Memorial Reserve will have solar and batteries installed by the end of the year. Portable batteries will also be purchased and handed over to the Public Hall and LCDA. Planning is underway for the first workshop with the three committees to develop site-specific First 72 Hours Emergency Plans. The workshops will be delivered by Mycelia Renewables and supported by Council's Emergency Management Team.

It's all happening!!!

, Mycelia, Hayespower Electrics, Loch Village, Loch Public Hall, LOCH Memorial Reserve, ,

31 July 2026

21/07/2026

We are delighted to advise that AusNet's Energy Resilience Community Fund has supported our major grant application!

, Mycelia, Hayespower, Loch Village, Loch Public Hall, LOCH Memorial Reserve; ,

29/05/2026

If you own or manage a rental property and are wondering how to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) that will apply from March 2027, come along to next Wednesday at the Wonthaggi Town Halll.

Run by Mycelia Renewables, project partner of the Loch Resilience Project, this is a great opportunity to learn:

✅ what the new MEES requirements mean in practice
✅ which upgrades may be required and when
✅ how to avoid “distress purchases” when appliances fail
✅ how to get a free MEES assessment and upgrade plan (valued at ~$500)
✅ how to access $2,000–$4,000 in VEU rebates
✅ how to access an additional $1,000 in co‑funding through Mycelia's upgrade program.

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/energy-upgrades-for-wonthaggi or via Mycelia.org.au/events

26/05/2026

Community update ...
Any questions, have a chat with Kate or Karen next time you see them in Loch Village or email [email protected]

10/04/2026

TODAY – Solar & Storage, Rebates & Roadmaps

2pm Loch Bowls Club

It would be good to bring:
• A recent energy bill
• A phone, tablet or laptop

We can set up the SunSPOT solar and battery calculator, using your household details to explore what solar and storage could look like for you.

After the presentation, we’ll also have time for one on one help if you want support using the tool or understanding your results.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

07/04/2026

We know power outages better than most!

Join us for a practical session on how solar and batteries can cut bills, keep the lights on, and help us stay powered when the grid drops out.

Topics:
• Solar + storage work in real homes
• What technology to consider
• Choosing trusted installers
• Rebates and incentives available
• Mapping your upgrade plan using the free online tool Sunspot

If you’ve been thinking about solar, feeling the strain of repeated outages, or just want clearer info before making a decision, this one’s for you.

📅 Saturday 11 April
⏰ 2 – 4pm
📍 Loch Bowls Club
🏠 24 Smiths Street, Loch Village

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/charge-ahead-loch
A community led session for a community ready to take charge of its energy future — together with the Mycelia Energy Collective.

We’re proud to run this session in partnership with , a local social enterprise working to strengthen community preparedness, support households with the energy transition, and build energy literacy, energy justice and practical pathways to cleaner, more affordable energy.

This session demystifies solar and battery technologies, explains how to stack rebates and incentives, and outlines practical roadmaps for households.

28/02/2026

Get electric tomorrow.... at Loch Public Hall

18/02/2026

Three free electrifying community events coming to Loch Public Hall.
3. Electrification made easy
4. Solar and storage
5. Meet a trusted installer

16/02/2026