emPOWER: Voices of the Regional Energy Shift

Supporting Communities in Transition with David Shankey

In this thought-leaders episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar speaks with David Shankey, CEO of the Net Zero Economy Authority, the national body helping Australia’s regions and communities navigate the shift to a net zero emissions economy.
Before leading the Authority, David was Deputy Director-General at Queensland’s Department of Energy and Public Works, where he built a reputation for his deep expertise in energy and climate policy—and his commitment to ensuring regional communities share in the benefits of change.
Together, Wendy and David explore a big question: How can we meet Australia’s national energy needs while ensuring host communities share in the benefits of a fair transition?
Drawing on his experience, David unpacks:
The current state of play for regional communities and landholders in Australia’s energy transition
What needs to happen to support both traditional energy regions in transition and communities experiencing new renewable development
The role of government partnership and community-led planning in shaping fair and lasting outcomes
Why there’s no single silver bullet, but many local solutions needed for diverse regional economies
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

Walking the Tightrope – Community Leadership in the Energy Transition with Mayor Andrew Smith and Tracy Lefroy

In this thought-leaders episode of emPOWER, host Wendy Agar speaks with two passionate regional advocates — Mayor Andrew Smith from Western Downs Regional Council in Queensland and Tracy Lefroy, former Shire President of Moora in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt — about what it takes to lead communities through change in Australia’s energy transition.
While their regions are at different stages of renewable energy development, both Councils are navigating the same challenge — guiding their communities through rapid change while keeping politics out of it. They talk candidly about the bravery and leadership required to bring people along, the importance of communication, transparency, and collaboration, and why communities need to be partners, not passengers, in shaping their energy future.
Together, they unpack:
How councils can and must help their regions adapt and thrive through change
The need for genuine partnership, open dialogue, and confident and informed decision-making
Why diversification and co-existence are key to sustainable regional economies
Their vision for a fair transition where, in their words, “regions are partners in progress, not casualties of change.”
Join Wendy, Andrew, and Tracy as they explore how Australia can meet its national energy needs while ensuring regional communities share in the benefits — and the future — of a fair 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 Renewable Partnerships with Andy Bray – Building Community Support for the Energy Transition

In this episode, Wendy Agar speaks with Andy Bray, CEO of RE-Alliance, about a critical question for Australia’s energy transition: how can we meet national energy needs while ensuring regional communities genuinely benefit?
Andy highlights that while the silent majority support renewable energy, this support is conditional—people want to understand what the transition means for their region.
Drawing on RE-Alliance’s work, he explores the importance of:
Clear communication about local risks and opportunities
Transparency and trusted information
Collective planning with communities at the centre
Building local capacity to shape the transition in their region
Whether you work in energy, government, or regional development, this episode makes the case for collaboration, fairness, and community-led planning as the foundation for a sustainable energy 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

Fair Outcomes for Farmers & Communities with Michael Katz

In this thought leaders episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar speaks with Michael Katz, CEO of RELA, about one of the biggest questions in Australia’s energy transition: how do we meet national energy needs without sidelining the farmers and communities who host the projects?
Michael doesn’t mince words. His vision is clear: landholders must be partners, not bystanders. As he puts it, “everyone benefits or loses together”—and the only way forward is genuine collaboration that values all perspectives and negotiates from there.
From his work with RELA, Michael unpacks:
The current context in regional australia
How the future of farming is shifting—where food, fibre, clean energy, biodiversity, and decarbonisation can all co-exist
Why co-existence isn’t compromise, but a path to greater productivity and resilience
What success in 2035 could look like if farmers and communities are truly at the centre
Whether you’re in energy, government, or regional development, this episode challenges assumptions and makes the case that putting land at the heart of the transition is the only way to secure fair and lasting outcomes.
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

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