Program.
POWER OF COMMUNITY - Yarrayne / Guildford Vic
12-14 March 2026.
Booking note: Full Event ticket includes Main Seminar Day on the Friday as well as access to a fringe program of optional events on the Thursday and Saturday; these are designed to offer further opportunities to engage with the local area in a fun and relaxing way. Full event ticket holders have access to all fringe events, usually at no additional charge, though RAA may seek to cover costs incurred for specific sessions if required.
Fringe events with a * next to them require delegates to register for an additional ticket for the purpose of managing numbers. Fringe event registration will become available closer to the event and full event ticket holders will be notified.
Please note that event program and details are subject to change. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Geoff Crosby will no longer be able to present at this event.
Tickets: bookings via humanitix
ONLINE LEAD UP TALKS.
In the lead up to POWER OF COMMUNITY, RAA will hold two online events to introduce the themes being explored and set the scene for the in person experience. Details below.
WEDNESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 1-2PM ONLINE | Engaging Community in the Energy Transition, Yackandandah, Victoria
Dr Juliette Milbank will speak about Totally Renewable Yackandandah and the projects undertaken to transition the town to 100% renewable energy. More information and booking here.
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 1-2PM ONLINE | Discussion on Community Microgrids
More information and booking coming soon.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON INFO - 12TH MARCH.
*2PM HEPBURN ENERGY TOUR
*3.30PM PRESENTATION & WORKSHOP WITH GHOSTPATROL, HEPBURN WINDFARM MURAL ARTIST
6PM COMMUNITY DINNER (BUY YOUR OWN)
This dinner will be at the 5 Flags Hotel in nearby Campbells Creek
FRIDAY INFO - 13TH MARCH.
MAIN SEMINAR DAY
The Main Seminar Day will take place at the Guildford Public Hall, 32 Fryers St, Guildford.
8.30am Registration & Coffee
Session 01
Welcome to Country from Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson
Welcome to Guildford by active local community member Raymond Pattle OAM
Welcome from RAA President Tim Lee
Introduction to the day of speakers from creative directors Robert Mierisch and Emily Knight
Don Culvenor will discuss Community Energy Project Renewable Newstead.
RAA Technical Member introductions
10.30-11.00am Morning Tea
Session 02
Robert Mierisch will present his innovative development of a prototype for a highly cost effective energy system for rural residences. Matt Wilson of Central Spark will join Robert to speak about their collaboration bringing this project to life.
Prof Mark Luther (adjunct to Deakin University) will present on a prototype lightweight radiant ceiling panel system he is developing with his team.
RAA Technical Member introductions
12.30-1.30pm Lunch
Session 03
Jock Gilbert on work through the RMIT Yulendj Weelam Lab
Marnie Hawson on where businesses who want to “do better for nature” can start, and how they can move beyond carbon
3.15-3.45pm Afternoon Tea
Session 04
Update from Dr Glenice Fox, CEO & Registrar of the ARBV
Update from Jill Garner, Government Architect, Victoria
Panel discussion and Q&A on how to engage community
Event Wrap Up & RAA Thanks
6.30pm Dinner
Dinner will be held at the Love Shack Brewing Co, 26 Hargraves St, Castlemaine. Note: drinks to be purchased at the bar.
SATURDAY MORNING INFO - 14TH MARCH.
7.30AM LOCAL AREA BUSHWALK & EXPLORATION
*9.30AM SITE VISIT | GUILDFORD STRAW BALE, OFF-GRID HOME
*10.45AM SITE VISIT | GOLDFIELDS DWELLING