About the project

We know that communities across the cities of Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip strongly desire urgent action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Local battery storage is one option for powering neighbourhoods with renewable energy and meeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions targets.

Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip City Council are working together to undertake community engagement to build the community's knowledge around the purpose and benefits of neighbourhood batteries and how they can participate meaningfully. Through the engagement, we want to develop our communities' knowledge of neighbourhood batteries and understand what the community think about potentially having neighbourhood batteries in their local area, including what might motivate their support and what concerns they may have.

About the role

We are looking for 30 passionate people to fill the role of Community Champions to undertake the following tasks.

Find out more by reading our FAQs.

Mandatory

• Attend a two-hour welcome session on Thursday 27 April, 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Library at the Dock Community Hub that covers an introduction to the project and your role. This session will also include training on how to host your own conversations about neighbourhood batteries.
• Attend two deep-dive discussion workshops on Tuesday 2 May, 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Library at the Dock Community Hub and the second in mid-2023 (more details to follow) to gain your feedback on how the project is responding and considering the broader engagement findings.
• Promote the project through your existing networks and channels, to bring the community on the journey and build their knowledge around the purpose and potential benefits of neighbourhood batteries.

Optional

• Support us to deliver the engagement:
  • by attending drop-in sessions
  • undertaking facilitated engagement sessions through your existing networks/groups
  • report on the engagement that you have undertaken.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking to recruit a mix of people that reflect the diversity of the three municipalities. We want to hear from people passionate about neighbourhood batteries and people who might not know much about neighbourhood batteries or have concerns about neighbourhood batteries.

Renumeration and support

Champions will receive $150 for taking part to support with any out-of-pocket expenses. We can also provide additional supports as required, just let us know what you need when you complete your Expression of Interest (EOI).

Throughout your role as champion, we will regularly check in with you and will provide advice and guidance as needed.

How to express your interest?

Please complete the form below to express your interest in becoming a Neighbourhood Batteries Community Champion. If you have any trouble answering these questions or prefer to provide your answers over the phone, please call 03 9021 0608.

EOI forms are due by Sunday 16 April 2023.