Home Energy Empowerment Program
Pyrenees Shire Council, in partnership Pyrenees Community House and the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance councils, presents a FREE workshop and series of online learning sessions to help you improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
The in-person workshop will be held at the Beeripmo Development Centre on May 21 and online lunch and learn sessions will take place between May and September, covering everything from draught proofing to hot water heat pumps to energy efficiency solutions for renters. If you can't make it to the online session - no problem. Each session will be available to watch at your leisure on the Pyrenees Shire website.
Find out more about what's on offer and how to register below.
In-person Home Energy Efficiency Workshop
When: Wednesday May 21, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Where: Beeripmo Development Centre, 1 Lawrence St., Beaufort
Cost: Free
Registration: Reserve your spot here.
This hands-on workshop will help you run through which upgrades are best to boost your personal home comfort and savings.
Get advice to help you plan changes to suit your budget and house context.
We’ll start at the start – thinking about where you are coming from and where you want to go.
We’ll then talk through the:
- building shell (draughts, insulation, windows)
- highlight pros and cons
- help you gather information on your main appliances
- consider suppliers and whether solar is right for you
- available financial assistance and other resources to help
Reserve your spot and come along for a cuppa and gain timely advice for your ongoing energy efficiency journey to achieve your goals no matter your budget!
This session will be led by local energy accessor, trainer and educator, Lucinda Flynn, from Going Green Solutions.
Online Lunch and Learn Sessions
This series of 45-minute online sessions is designed to help you dig deeper into the topics that are relevant to your budget, your home and your energy goals. Choose the session that's right for you or attend all 8! If you can't make it on the day, each session will be available to watch at your leisure on the Pyrenees Shire Website.
When: Monday May 19,12:30pm
Where: Online
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by 15 mins of Q&A
Cost: Free
Registration: Register to join live or access the recording afterwards
This session will share practical tips and tricks for Renters to enhance home energy efficiency and savings!
We’ll help you understand:
- what upgrades you can make to a rental property
- your rights as a renter
- how to get on the cheapest energy rates
- how to access financial assistance
- optimise your space with simple solutions for better comfort
Come along to learn how to stay cool in the summer or cozy in the winter.
Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
In the meantime, check out this great new renters video from the My Home Network at Mt Alexander Shire for some great resources and tips.
This session will be led by energy accessor, trainer and educator, Lucinda Flynn, from Going Green Solutions.
When: Monday June 2,12:30pm
Where: Online
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by 15 mins of Q&A
Cost: Free
Registration: Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
Ever wondered why your home still feels cold in winter, even with the heater running? Or why it heats up like an oven in summer despite the air conditioning? The culprit could be hidden draughts.
In this session, you’ll discover:
- The most common places your home is leaking air – and how to find them
- Why draught proofing is one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve comfort
- The biggest mistakes people make when trying to seal their homes (and what to do instead!)
- Simple, DIY-friendly solutions as well as expert-approved products for lasting results
This session will be led by Maurice Beinat, one of Australia’s leading experts in home energy efficiency and co-founder of ecoMaster.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter this session will equip you with practical strategies - make your home work smarter, not harder!
Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
When: Tuesday June 17,12:30pm
Where: Online
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by 15 mins of Q&A
Cost: Free
Registration:Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
We'll cover the latest technologies, practical tips, and strategies to help you maximize comfort while minimising energy use.
Learn how to operate your heating and cooling systems more efficiently, troubleshoot common issues, and make smart choices that save you money on utility bills.
Whether you're thinking about upgrading your current system or simply looking to optimize what you have, this session will equip you with the knowledge to stay comfortable year-round without wasting energy.
This session will be led by local energy accessor, trainer and educator, Lucinda Flynn, from Going Green Solutions.
Register to join live or access the recording afterwards
When: Tuesday July 7,12:30pm
Where: Online
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by 15 mins of Q&A
Cost: Free
Registration: Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
Insulation is the unsung hero of home comfort and energy efficiency.
In this 30-minute session, you’ll discover:
- Why insulation is essential – and how it works to regulate your home's temperature
- Where to insulate for maximum impact (hint: it’s more than just your ceiling!)
- The biggest insulation myths (and why some homes never get the results they expect)
- How to assess what level of insulation is in your home now... and what to do if it’s not
Good insulation doesn’t just make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer – it also reduces energy bills, minimises noise, and boosts your property’s value.
Whether you're planning a retrofit, renovating, or simply looking to improve comfort, this session will equip you with practical knowledge to make smart insulation choices.
This session will be led by Maurice Beinat, co-founder of ecoMaster and a leader in thermal efficiency.
Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
When: Tuesday July 22,12:30pm
Where: Online
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by 15 mins of Q&A
Cost: Free
Registration: Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
This session will shine a spotlight on one of the most energy intensive appliances at home – your hot water system.
By replacing a gas hot water unit with a quality heat pump hot water system, households can save around $330 per year on their energy bills.
We’ll outline:
- how heat pump hot water systems work & why they’re so efficient
- how to find the right system for your needs
- installation considerations
- accessing $ rebates and
- how to ensure long term reliability and performance.
This session will be led by Frank Forster from EnviroShop Newstead, a leading expert and local advocate for home electrification.
Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
When: Monday August 4,12:30pm
Where: Online
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by 15 mins of Q&A
Cost: Free
Registration: Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
This session will help you understand whether a solar and or battery system is the right choice for you, how best to proceed and then optimise savings.
The session will cover:
- How solar and battery systems work
- How the technology has developed
- How to determine what’s right for your property/context
- Reviewing quotes
- Latest government incentives and rebates $
- Feed in tariffs
This session will be led by Frank Forster from EnviroShop Newstead, a leading expert and local advocate for home electrification.
Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
When: Tuesday August 19,12:30pm
Where: Online
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by 15 mins of Q&A
Cost: Free
Registration: Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
Let’s dive into the range of window upgrades that could enhance your home's thermal protection.
From cost-effective window treatments to a variety of glazing options and external shading solutions, we’ll cover upgrades for every budget.
Discover how to improve window insulation, cut energy costs, and boost comfort throughout the year.
Whether you're interested in simple DIY fixes or more extensive upgrades, this session will offer practical tips.
This session will be led by energy accessor, trainer and educator, Lucinda Flynn, from Going Green Solutions.
Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
When: Monday September 1,12:30pm
Where: Online
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by 15 mins of Q&A
Cost: Free
Registration: Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
The electric vehicle market is moving fast, with new electric SUV’s and Utes now added. Hear the latest from the market for all vehicle and bike ranges, as well as salary and financial options available.
Novated leasing is available to some employees to eliminate upfront costs, using pre-tax salary contributions, and the potential for tax savings and lower operating costs.
The Federal Government is also exempting eligible models from fringe benefits tax (FBT). But few people understand how they really work or whether they are right for them.
Join our expert speakers:
- Rohan Martin, CEO of National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA)
- Thijs van der Heijden, Founder of Sparque - eBike experts and eBike Novated Leasing
To highlight what you need to know about novated leases for EVs and eBikes, how they work, what to watch out for and other considerations to help you understand what might be best for you.
Register to join live or access the recording afterwards.
These events are brought to you by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance councils including City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and Pyrenees Shire.