emPOWER: Voices of the Regional Energy Shift

Balancing the Energy Future – National Needs & Regional Realities with Chris O’Keefe

In this thought leaders episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar speaks with Chris O’Keefe, National Spokesperson for the Clean Energy Council. With his broadcaster’s clarity, Chris explores how Australia can meet renewable energy targets while ensuring regional communities hosting projects experience lasting benefits.
From his role at the Clean Energy Council, Chris shares insights on:
Why regional Australia is central to the Clean Energy Councils members 
The current state of the energy transition, especially for communities hosting renewable energy projects
Three key priorities the industry must get right moving forward
What success could look like by 2035 for both consumers and host communities
Whether you work in energy, government, or regional development, this episode provides Industry’s perspectives on balancing national energy needs with local futures  for a successful transition.
emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the national energy sector.  They partner with communities to create a Regional Energy Accord that guides the transition and delivers real local outcomes.
Produced by The Podcast Boss

Regional Voices: Shaping Place-Based Growth in the Energy Shift - Karen Cain

In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar sits down with Karen Cain—a Gippsland farmer, former CEO of the Latrobe Valley Authority, and now an international researcher and advisor on the energy transition. Karen’s career has been shaped by her commitment to helping regions navigate big change while building on their strengths.
From her vantage point in Gippsland—an energy-producing powerhouse for more than 130 years—Karen reflects on how this new phase of the region’s story can be an opportunity, not just a challenge. She shares the importance of knitting together lessons learned elsewhere with what’s known locally, and bringing all stakeholders into the conversation so that truly place-based solutions can emerge.
Together, they explore:
The unique strengths regional Australian communities bring in this shift
The three pillars of regional development and why they matter for every community
Why place-based solutions are essential for lasting benefits
How individuals—no matter their role—can contribute to the change
Whether you’re working in policy, leading projects, or navigating big changes in your own town, this conversation offers practical ways to ensure regional voices are at the centre of the energy shift and communities can see, and seize, the opportunity ahead.
emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the national energy sector.  They partner with communities to create a Regional Energy Accord that guides the transition and delivers real local outcomes.
 
Produced by The Podcast Boss

Regional Voices: Lessons from Totally Renewable Yackandandah - Matthew Charles-Jones & Matt Grogan

In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar sits down with Matt Charles-Jones (MCJ) and Matt Grogan from Yackandandah, Victoria, to explore how a small regional town has taken charge of its energy future. Both deeply involved in the Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) movement, they share practical lessons on how communities can embrace renewable energy, drive local action, and create meaningful change.
Reflecting on Cathy McGowan’s words—“If not now, when? If not you, who?”—this conversation highlights the power of community-led energy transitions and the opportunities for regional Australians to shape a fair, coordinated, and locally-driven energy future.
Together, they explore:
How Yackandandah turned a vision for 100% renewable energy into reality
The characteristics of communities that self-organise to embrace big ideas
Critical relationships and partnerships that enable lasting local change
Lessons for developers, engagement practitioners, and regional leaders on empowering communities
Insights from the Regional Energy Accord process and why local collaboration matters
Whether you’re working in renewable energy, regional development, community engagement, or are a community leader, this episode offers inspiring, actionable ideas for putting regional voices at the centre of the energy transition.
emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the national energy sector committed to delivering better outcomes for communities and customers during the energy transition.Produced by The Podcast Boss

Joanna Stevens – Meaningful Engagement in Regional Australia

In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down with strategic communications expert Joanna Stevens, founder of Premier Strategy, to unpack what it takes to genuinely work with—not just in—regional communities.
With decades of experience across journalism, government communications, and corporate engagement in infrastructure and renewables, Jo and her team deliver engagement services across Australia. She brings sharp insight and practical strategies for anyone navigating the complex space between policy, projects, and people.
Together, they explore:• The key ingredients for meaningful, regionally grounded engagement• What it takes to be the right fit for engagement work in the regions• How to ‘ground truth’ yourself in a community when you're not local• Five strategies to set your engagement up for success from the start
Whether you’re leading projects, shaping policy, or facilitating tough conversations on the ground, this episode offers a masterclass in respectful, results-focused engagement.
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

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