From over seventy applications, 23 emerging First Nations leaders from around the country have been awarded a place in the First Nations Clean Energy Network’s PowerMakers clean energy program being held in Mulubinba (Newcastle), New South Wales from 26-29 October 2026.
PowerMakers is an intensive capacity building program for First Nations people determined to ensure First Nations are front and centre of the energy transition, equipping participants with practical knowledge, skills and networks to drive clean energy solutions in their homes, communities and on Country.
Bec Halliday, Director at First Nations Clean Energy Network says this year’s participant cohort from nearly every State and Territory are highly engaged in the clean energy transition.
“Across the board, our PowerMakers 2026 participants, both young and mature, are actively working in partnership with community, clean energy developers, government and others.
"They’re leading renewable energy development projects, collaborating with neighbour Nations for better outcomes, and negotiating large-scale benefit-sharing and a seat at the table for projects on Country.”
This year’s participants will immerse in determining First Nations clean energy solution pathways for both metro, and regional and remote areas.
They’ll focus on what can be done at a household level, such as draught proofing, energy efficiency technologies and retrofits, access to rooftop solar and batteries for affordable clean energy, and building power to address barriers experienced by renters and social housing tenants.
They’ll also jump into community level energy planning, leading renewable energy project development, negotiating well for projects Country, accessing finance, and getting strong agreements with participation, benefit-sharing and equity built in.
Following the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from Worimi Traditional Owners on Monday evening 26 October 2026, participants will spend 3 days learning alongside First Nations clean energy leaders, industry experts and peers in a specially curated program designed to meet participant’s needs and build networks.
Outside of the sessions, participants will also visit CSIRO’s Energy Centre’s solar and energy research hub, and the Murrook Cultural Centre on Worimi Country, Williamtown.
“Our goal is to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to spearhead clean energy initiatives and take First Nations leadership of the clean energy transition in Australia to the next level,” says Bec.
“We aim to ensure no one is left behind in the energy transition.”
PowerMakers participant Sam Russell says he applied for PowerMakers because he’s interested in building knowledge around the clean energy space, and to share that within communities.
“At Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council we have a really good opportunity to ensure our land is sustained, take important steps to care for Country properly, and spearhead clean energy for our region.
“At PowerMakers, I hope to be introduced to build a good level of understanding and knowledge around clean energy initiatives and the role our community can play, and to ensure our future generations get to enjoy our land as much as we have.”
PowerMakers participant Joedie Lawler says she’s joining PowerMakers to better understand the possibilities for Aboriginal communities in the clean energy transition, and the limitations.
“I have researched current clean energy projects, various RAPs, and the level of First Nations engagement, and hope to increase the opportunity and redefine the purpose and process of how Aboriginal people are engaged in the Aboriginal community organisations our teams work with across NSW.
“Energy companies can lead the way by practicing meaningful early engagement and ensuring First Nations self determination that prospers into intergenerational change.
"To do this we need to walk together.”
PowerMakers participant Karl Howard says as a Mayi Kulun Traditional Owner, he applied to PowerMakers to help shape a better energy future for Cloncurry and Mount Isa.
“Frequent electricity outages and high power bills place pressure on our families, particularly low and middle income households.
“I want Traditional Owners to have a meaningful role in decisions about clean energy on our Country, including ownership, jobs, and lasting community benefits.
“Through Mayi Kulun Business Development Aboriginal Corporation and my regional business relationships, my ambition is to investigate community-owned renewable energy, solar and battery projects, and the longer term potential for green hydrogen.
“Success means reliable power, affordable household bills and Traditional Owners helping lead the transition, with our cultural authority respected and our free, prior and informed consent central to projects affecting our Country.
“I want to bring home practical knowledge to help our families and Elders assess opportunities, negotiate fair partnerships and influence regional energy planning.”
PowerMakers participants 2026
This year’s PowerMaker participants come from a range of strong First Nations groups and organisations around the country, including:
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Louise Smith, Senior Project Officer, Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council, Hamilton NSW
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Nicole Atkinson, Board Director, Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation, Shepparton VIC
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Kelvin Flugge, Business manager, Banjelungup Aboriginal Corporation, Bayonet Head WA
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Jamie Williams, CEO, Biraban LALC, Lake Macquarie/Boolaroo NSW
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Sam Russell, Project Manager, Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council NSW
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Kalinda Alexander, Director, First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda Peoples Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, Walkervale QLD
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Paul Mitchell, Director, Nyamal Energy, Perth WA
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Michelle Tuahine, Cultural Consultant, Gangulu Cultural Heritage Committee, Mango Hill QLD
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Lynette Blucher, GNP Applicant/CH Committee Member, Gangulu Holdings Pty Ltd, Mount Morgan QLD
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Joedie Lawler, Senior Project officer, Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Coopernook NSW
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Kallum Clarke, Chief Operating Officer, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, Mossman QLD
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Amanda Pitt-Lythgoe, Traditional Custodian Kabi Kabi, Landsborough QLD
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Karl Howard, Secretary, Mayi Kulun Business Development Aboriginal Corporation, Mount Isa QLD
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Tara Dever, CEO, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Lochinvar NSW
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Hal Walsh, Kuku Djungan, CEO, Birriah BOD Nguddaboolgan Native Title Aboriginal Corporation / Birriah Aboriginal Corporation, Yarrabah QLD
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Denise Wilton, Aboriginal Family Practitioner, Nipapanha Community, Port Augusta West SA
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Marcayla Stopp, CEO, Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council, Yass NSW/ACT
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David Brockman, Director, Palyku-Jartayi Aboriginal Corporation, South Hedland WA
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Daniel Costa, Pinyama Enterprises, Pirlangimpi NT
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Tara Fry, First Peoples Business Partner, SEC, Hampton Park VIC
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Laurie Perry, CEO, Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Mount Thorley NSW
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Wade Garvey, Renewable energy liaison, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Abbotsford VIC
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Tanya Mead, Heritage Liaison Officer, Yued Aboriginal Corporation, Perth WA