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 at no additional cost.

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.

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 | From Grassroots to Grid: How Community-Led Action Can Drive Systemic Change in Regional Australia
This session will explore how community-led organisations can meaningfully influence large-scale infrastructure, policy, and energy outcomes in regional Australia.. More information and booking here.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON INFO - 12TH MARCH.

*2PM HEPBURN ENERGY TOUR

*3.30PM PRESENTATION & WORKSHOP WITH GHOSTPATROL, HEPBURN WINDFARM MURAL ARTIST
This fringe event will take place at the Guildford Public Hall, 32 Fryers St, Guildford.

6PM COMMUNITY DINNER (BUY YOUR OWN)
This dinner will be at the 5 Flags Hotel, 155 Main Rd, 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

Geoff Park will discuss Community Energy Project Renewable Newstead.

RAA Technical Member introductions

10.30-11.00am Morning Tea

Session 02

Jo Kaptein of Ausnet will cover their active engagement in improving and initiating community projects

Dr Mark B. Luther will speak about and display his prototype hydronic suspended ceiling panel

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.