31 October 2024
37 First Nations people from across Australia have been selected from over 100 applicants to attend the First Nations Clean Energy Network’s second PowerMakers program for emerging First Nations leaders in the clean energy transition, from 4-8 November 2024 in Perth.
Following the success of the inaugural PowerMakers program in 2023, PowerMakers 2024 aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to emerge as leaders in the clean energy transition, capable of successfully advancing clean energy projects and driving positive change in communities.
Karrina Nolan, co-Chair of the First Nations Clean Energy Network says significant renewable energy resources will be needed to power Australia’s transition, all of which need consent from Traditional Owners.
“This is the time to make sure our people and communities are powerful enough for our aspirations for economic self determination, to be at the centre, and for the renewables revolution to be powered by us, on our terms.
“Our capacity to negotiate well for strong agreements, benefit-sharing and equity, to exercise good governance, enter strong partnerships with proponents, and build energy security and affordability through First Nations-led development, leadership and ownership of our energy futures is a key feature of PowerMakers.
“We want to ensure we do this transition right, through changing the expectations of industry, building the capability of our communities, and encouraging government to invest in the right frameworks, incentives and system design."
As a national First Nations-led network with over 1,000 First Nations Members (individuals and organisations), the First Nations Clean Energy Network has been a driving force in advocating for First Nations benefits and outcomes in the Capacity Investment Scheme and Future Made in Australia bill, and by kick-starting the soon-to-be-released all-energy-ministers First Nations Clean Energy Strategy.
Karrina says building the capacity of our people is a key ingredient in getting this transition right.
“The calibre of this year’s PowerMakers cohort illustrates the level of leadership and commitment our communities have about clean energy and their determination to ensure our people are leading this transition.
“We will continue to invest in building the capacity and resourcing of communities towards First Nations ownership and economic development.”
Media contact: Kate Finlayson - kate@firstnationscleanenergy.org.au and +61 418 254 237
Quotes from 4 PowerMakers participants entering the program:
Yuin Nation member Helen Wright from Wright Consulting Group Aboriginal Corporation in the ACT says PowerMakers will assist her in further supporting First Nations communities to navigate government and industry in the renewable energy space.
“I’m very proud and humbled to be selected to participate in PowerMakers this year.
“My focus is assisting First Nations enter new clean energy agreements in partnership with big providers, and getting First Nations outcomes in government, private sector, corporations, and in remote communities.
“If projects are set up and managed correctly, they can deliver real economic opportunities for First Nations.
“We need to make sure we not only have a seat at the table, but that we’re equal partners. That means understanding the significant value of our Country in this clean energy transition, and building strong negotiations and agreements.
“I want to hear how Nations already on their clean energy path in partnership with industry and government are doing it, and what lessons we can learn.
“I’ll then share that, taking what I've learnt to further support First Nations navigate the many processes and find opportunities for leveraging their solid asset base to create economic wealth creation opportunities.”
Arrernte man Chrae Tawhai, director of Envision Energy in Queensland, a 100% owned and operated company specialising in renewable energy, says he had the opportunity to complete an electrical apprenticeship out of school and that’s where he gained an interest in renewable energy.
“I was fortunate to get the right guidance and support and be part of installing and servicing solar systems in remote communities in my hometown of Mparntwe, Alice Springs, and would like to do the same in Queensland and New South Wales.
“My passion is to provide power to the community through renewables in both urban and remote areas.
“Renewable energy, particularly on Country, can save people from spending money on energy bills. It can also provide employment.
“As I'm now in a position where I can offer my skills to others, I’m also passionate about mentoring and training First Nations youth in the energy sector, empowering them to build a better future through clean energy opportunities that are popping up everywhere.
“Doing PowerMakers will broaden my networks and give me more knowledge of the clean energy industry.”
Malu Kiwai man Mas Banu, a Community Engagement Facilitator with NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO) says he wants to see the development of renewable energy industry partnerships with Aboriginal-controlled organisations.
“I was born in the Torres Strait and grew up on Boigu Island where climate change impacts are a real and everyday threat.
“In my current role we advocate to meet 17 socio-economic targets in Closing the Gap. In my opinion, renewable energy falls under a number of those targets. I’m doing PowerMakers to build my knowledge of the clean energy sector so that we can better meet those targets.
“The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a pivotal moment, especially for First Nations communities. It’s essential that we structure ourselves and establish strong, organised frameworks to ensure our active participation in this growing sector.
“By preparing now, we not only support a seamless transition for our communities, but also position ourselves to lead and benefit from emerging opportunities in renewable energy, aligning with our values of sustainability and in managing our community wealth.
“In doing PowerMakers, I hope to gain deeper insights into sustainable energy practices, expand my network with others who share similar goals so that we can work together toward impactful, long-term solutions in renewable energy, and strengthen my skills to effectively contribute to the clean energy transition.”
Kalkadoon, Guugu Yimithirr, Nyamal woman Nikki Chenoweth, Chair of Queensland Renewables Energy Council’s First Nations working group and Senior First Engagement Advisor with Stanwell Corporation says she supports the transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
“I am a mother of two incredibly intelligent Aboriginal women who deserve to have a country where their culture is preserved and valued.
“I have worked in the Indigenous affairs space for decades across many industries, including fossil fuels.
“Now I am working with a government-owned corporation that is transitioning from coal fire to renewables working toward net zero, with a huge pipeline of green energy projects that include wind, solar and hydrogen.
“PowerMakers will reinforce the benefits of renewables and the importance of community engagement and consent, and assist my work in ensuring industry helps in building thriving communities by delivering social, environmental and economic benefits.”
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Contact details:
Kate Finlayson - kate@firstnationscleanenergy.org.au +61 418 254 237
