emPOWER: supporting Regional Engagement during the Energy Transition

From Coal to Clean: Latrobe Valley’s Energy Shift - Tony Wolfe

What does a just energy transition look like for coal communities?
In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, host Wendy Agar sits down with Tony Wolfe—a lifelong Latrobe Valley local, former coal industry worker, local government councillor, and passionate advocate for community-led change.
With decades of lived experience, Tony shares deep insights into the real impacts of the energy transition on regional communities built around coal. From shifting identity to practical realities, Tony unpacks what it takes to transition fairly—and what often gets overlooked.
In this episode, you'll hear:
How the Latrobe Valley is transitioning from coal to renewables
The cultural and social shifts communities are navigating
Why energy efficiency deserves more attention
Key challenges and opportunities for coal workers and their families
Tony’s lessons from sitting on two renewable energy community advisory groups
Practical tips for professionals engaging in coal-affected regions
Learn more about Gippsland’s energy shift at Gippsland Climate Change Network - GCCN Home - Gippsland Climate Change Network
If you’re working in regional engagement, the energy sector, or are simply interested in what the transition really means for people on the ground—this episode is a must-listen.
EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.Produced by The Podcast Boss

Karin Stark & Andrew Bomm– Exploring Agrivoltaics

In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down with Karin Stark – farmer, renewable energy advocate, and founder of the Renewables in Agriculture Conference – and Andrew Bomm – advisor and land management expert with hands-on experience in shared solar grazing – to explore how agriculture and solar can not only coexist but thrive together.
Drawing on their deep experience across farming, energy policy, and land management, as well as insights from co-authoring the groundbreaking Pursuing an Agrivoltaics Future report, Karin and Andrew share what they’ve learned about the real opportunities — and challenges — of agrivoltaics in the Australian context.
Together, they unpack:
What agrivoltaics really is (and how it works)
How dual land use can support farmers, build trust, and reduce conflict around large-scale solar
Environmental and land management impacts — from food security to fire risk
Key barriers to adoption in Australia, and how to overcome them
Whether you work in engagement, energy, agriculture — or you're just curious about the future of land use in regional Australia — this episode offers practical insights, policy perspectives, and real-world examples to help you stay informed and inspired.
emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the Australian energy sector committed to delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.Produced by The Podcast Boss

Tony Mahar – A Fair, Coordinated, and Community-First Transition

How do we deliver the energy transition in a way that’s fair, coordinated, and genuinely benefits regional communities?
In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, Wendy Agar speaks with Tony Mahar, the new Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, about what it really takes to build trust, strengthen accountability, and deliver lasting benefits in the regions driving our energy future.
Tony brings a fresh and grounded perspective to the role, shaped by a decade leading the National Farmers’ Federation and a long career in agriculture, agribusiness, and regional advocacy. Since taking up the Commissioner role in late 2024, he’s been on the ground across the country—listening, learning, and challenging the sector to do better.
Together, Wendy and Tony explore:
 
What the post-election policy landscape means for communities and industry
Why engagement continues to fall short—and what meaningful engagement looks like
How to move from box-ticking and compliance to real accountability
Why visible, authentic leadership is essential to social license
If you work in energy, regional development, infrastructure, or community engagement, this episode is packed with practical insights, tough questions, and forward-thinking ideas to lift the bar across the sector.
 
 Whether you’re out in the paddock, on the road, or behind a desk—tune in and be part of shaping an energy transition that works for all Australians.
emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter—a CEO-led collaboration committed to better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.
 
Produced By The Podcast Boss

Sabiene Heindl and Tom Everitt – Empowering Social License in the Energy Transition

What does it take to get the right energy projects done right—especially in regional Australia? In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down for a candid fireside chat with Sabiene Heindl, CEO of The Energy Charter (TEC), and Tom Everitt from TDC Services in Victoria. Together, they unpack what social license really means—and how to earn it one conversation, one person, and one community at a time.
Drawing on real-world experience, they explore:
Why social license is essential—not optional—for the energy transition
The “burning platform” for engagement and what’s playing out on the ground
The cultural change needed to bridge the gap between industry and community
Why education alone isn’t enough—and what it takes to drive broader transformation
Practical insights on training, trust-building, and turning good intentions into action
Lessons from land agents, national training programs, and grassroots collaboration
This is an honest, hopeful, and deeply practical discussion for anyone working in or impacted by the energy transition—whether you're in policy, development, engagement, or community leadership.
This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.
 
EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.
Produced by The Podcast Boss

Dr Amanda Cahill and Dr Gareth Edwards - Empowering Community-Led Change in a Just Energy Transition

Lighthouse series
What does it take for communities to lead the renewable energy transition—not just be consulted? In this episode, Wendy Agar talks with Dr Amanda Cahill and Dr Gareth Edwards about empowering local leadership, supporting self-determination, and making engagement meaningful.
 They share real-world stories and insights from regional Australia and around the world, based on their book Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible. Together, they explore:
What a “just transition” really looks like in regional communities
How the energy transition is reshaping local economies and driving place-based change
Common barriers faced by local communities—and how to overcome them
Practical steps to build strong partnerships with regional Australia
Global lessons on what’s needed to truly empower communities during the energy transition
 Whether you work in renewable energy, policy, engagement, or simply care about stronger outcomes for regional Australia—this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration.
Get your copy here - Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible with discount code 25AFLY1 for a 20% discount.
 
EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.
 
Produced by The Podcast Boss

Jo Sheppard - Powering the Future: the intersection of Agriculture, Energy & Community

The energy transition is reshaping regional Australia—but how do we ensure that agriculture and community are at the table, and truly benefiting from it? In this episode Wendy Agar sits down with Jo Sheppard, CEO of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), to tackle the big questions at the intersection of agriculture, energy, engagement, and regional leadership.
 
With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and rural communities, Jo shares her insights on: Moving beyond transactional deals to create genuine, lasting benefits for farmers and communities. The biggest opportunities and challenges agriculture faces in the energy transition. Why better engagement between policymakers, energy developers, and farmers is critical—and how to make it happen. The misconceptions about modern farming that are shaping (and sometimes mis-shaping) policy and development. The next 5–10 years of ag and energy—what’s coming, and what industry partners need to consider.
 
Learn more about the work and resources of QFF here:Energy - Queensland Farmers' Federation
 
If you care about the future of regional Australia and how agriculture can coexist with the renewable energy shift, this episode is a must-listen.
 
This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.
EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.
Produced by The Podcast Boss

Engaging Young People in the Energy Shift: Stephanie Sabrinskas

Young people aren’t just the future—they’re a vital part of the now. So how do we ensure their voices are truly heard in the renewable energy transition?
In this episode, Wendy Agar chats with Stephanie Sabrinskas—a passionate organiser, impact producer, and the creative mind behind Power Pops, a virtual reality youth engagement program with the Gippsland Climate Change Network.
Based in the Latrobe Valley, Stephanie brings six years of experience documenting the energy transition in Gippsland and working directly with young people to bring their ideas, energy, and leadership to the table.
You’ll hear: Why inclusion, diversity, and intergenerational voices matter How the shift from coal to renewables is landing in her community What meaningful youth engagement really looks like What works—and what doesn’t—when engaging diverse voices in regional areas
If you care about empowering the next generation, building inclusive engagement, and creating an energy shift that reflects all voices—this episode is not to be missed.
Learn more about Stephanie’s work at: Gippsland Climate Change Network - https://www.gccn.org.au/news/power-pops | Gippsland New Energy Portal - https://gippslandnewenergy.com.au/ 
This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.
EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.
Produced By The Podcast Boss

Global Insights: International Lessons from the Energy Transition - Nils Hay

In this Lighthouse Series episode of the emPOWER podcast, Wendy Agar is joined by Nils Hay, Winston Churchill Fellow and regional development leader from Western Australia. Nils recently completed his international study tour, Regional Power Surge, exploring how large-scale renewable and low-carbon energy projects are impacting regional communities across the globe.
Together, Wendy and Nils explore the big question: How do we enable the energy transition to move at the pace required—while ensuring meaningful, lasting benefits for the regional communities who host the infrastructure and hold the resources?
In this episode, they discuss:
Global takeaways on community benefits, social license, policy, and coexistence
Stories of regional communities abroad that are thriving through the transition
Cautionary tales that highlight what not to do
Key lessons and best practice Australia can take on board—right now
How global insights can influence better outcomes in our own backyard
Nils brings a grounded, real-world perspective shaped by years working across regional development and local government in Queensland and Western Australia.  You can read his Churchill report here: Report Completed - Nils Hay
This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.
EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.
Tune in to hear how we can avoid repeating mistakes, borrow from global success stories, and build a stronger, fairer transition for regional Australia.
Produced by The Podcast Boss

Beyond Netball Skirts & BBQs: How Miles Took Control with a Community Investment Plan with Deputy Mayor Kylie Bourne

When big energy projects come to town, what lasting impact do they leave behind? Too often, regional communities receive a flood of short-term sponsorship dollars—but without a plan, the money disappears, leaving little more than a few BBQs and a set of netball skirts.
The community of Miles, QLD, refused to let that happen!
During the coal seam gas (CSG) boom, this small town 300km west of Brisbane found itself at the centre of rapid development. Rather than accepting a cycle of fragmented funding, a group of locals took control—leading a co-designed Community Investment Plan that ensured energy company investments and community benefit funds could easily be strategically aligned with the town’s long-term vision, creating real, lasting impact.
In this episode, Western Downs Regional Councils Deputy Mayor Kylie Bourne joins host Wendy Agar to unpack:
  Why Miles created a strategic blueprint to ensure developer investments deliver lasting benefits.
  The step-by-step approach they used to develop a Community Investment Plan to align funding with local priorities.
      The critical role of local leadership in driving self-determination.
      Lessons from over a decade of refining and evolving a living, adaptable plan.
What industry, developers, and governments must do to move beyond transactional funding.
This isn’t just the story of one town—it’s a blueprint for any community facing rapid change. Want more real-world lessons? Check out these other emPOWER episodes:
      Episode 2 with Chris Sounness (the Wimmera region, Vic)
      Episode 5 with Cathy McGowan (the Gippsland region, Vic)
      Episode 7 with Ali McLean & Kate Hook (Hay, NSW)
to hear how other communities are navigating the energy transition and check out The Energy Charter’s #BetterTogether Wimmera Southern Mallee Collaboration to see what’s happening on the ground.
This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.
EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.
Produced by The Podcast Boss

Dr Kieren Moffat- Why Are Communities Angry? The Social License Dilemma

It’s a question that keeps popping up in the energy shift across the country—and one that professionals across the industry struggle to answer. Why do some communities push back harder than others? Why does trust seem so hard to build… and so easy to lose?
Join Wendy Agar, your host, as she unpacks  the deep drivers of community anger, social license and trust building with Dr Kieren Moffat, a global expert who has spent decades turning research into real-world action. From tackling inter-group conflict in the Australian Defence Force to leading groundbreaking work at CSIRO and launching Voconiq, Kieren has seen firsthand what fuels community frustration—and, more importantly, what actually works to rebuild trust.
We’re tackling the tough questions, including:
      What does community actually look like in the energy shift?
      How does anger show up—and is it always obvious?
      If we know so much about social license, why is it difficult to achieve?
      What’s the difference between building trust vs. gaining acceptance?
What impact does internal company culture have on engagement outcomes—and what can individuals do to shift the narrative?
This isn’t just theory—this is about practical solutions. Whether you’re in renewables, infrastructure, or community engagement, this episode will help you navigate complexity, reduce friction, and engage communities in ways that actually work.
From a dream of becoming a pro golfer to global social license expert, Kieren’s journey is anything but typical…and neither is this conversation!
Tune in now and get ready to change the way you think about social license, building trust and gaining acceptance!
This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.
EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.
Produced by The Podcast Boss