Energy security, disconnections, and community engagement on energy project development were the number one themes at the Network's inaugural First Nations Clean Energy Gathering in South Australia.
Some 60 First Nations people from across the State including Oodnadatta, Point Pearce, Marree, Nepabunna, Yappala, Hawker, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Port Pirie, Murray Bridge, the Adelaide Plains and surrounds attended the Gathering at Pattawilya (Glenelg) on 21 March 2025.
The aim? To discuss the opportunities and barriers to First Nations participation in and benefit from South Australia's clean energy transition.
The day started with a powerful Welcome to Country by Kaurna custodians Bryce Cawte and Bonny Brodie who talked about the significance of Pattawilya and the importance of Traditional Owners coming together to discuss clean energy issues.
“As we gather to discuss clean energy, sustainability, and caring for Country, it’s important to remember that our ancestors were the first scientists, the first environmentalists, and the first custodians of land and water management. They knew how to live in harmony with Country, taking only what was needed and ensuring future generations could thrive.”
Sharing stories of barriers and challenges, opportunities and solutions
Following a foundational overview of energy networks, the grid and the complexities of energy transmission in the transition to clean energy in South Australia, participants delved into the challenges and barriers, sharing their lived experiences of energy insecurity and high prices, and the high rates of disconnection which cause extreme hardship (eg. health, financial), compounded for remote communities.
Rachel Klembt from Oodnadatta travelled with her daughter Dakota to the Gathering to share her experiences with power outages. In Oodnadatta temperatures can soar above 50 degrees and with the long roads often vulnerable to weather events it can be a challenge when energy infrastructure needs to be repaired.
“It was really good to come and let everyone know the issues that we face back at home. We should be able to get reliable energy just like anywhere else.”
The barriers presented by living remotely in very high temperatures were echoed by participants from the Umoona Community near Coober Pedy where they have been experiencing very high electricity bills. Participants heard about community members struggling to pay back power bills that were reaching into the thousands of dollars.
Participants worked in groups to identify what was needed to confront and solve energy issues. That included wanting more control, involvement, understanding and connecting with energy suppliers and utilities to be able to access clean, reliable, affordable energy.
The Traditional Owners and communities spoke of wanting to lead and benefit from clean energy projects on lands and waters and to be supported to exercise self-determination, including being listened to and having a seat at the table when it comes to decisions about energy supply.
Delegates from Point Pearce community on the Yorke Peninsula on Narunga Country talked about the community drive to be a part of the solution with a focus on community initiatives and learning from the experience of other communities facing energy challenges.
As the microphone was passed around the room participants shared their desire to build relationships and engage with government, industry, and each other in a ‘true way’.
Cultural heritage and project negotiations
Karrina Nolan, executive director of the Network led a session on First Nations leadership and the central roles for communities to play to avoid being left behind in the clean energy transition.
The importance of cultural heritage and the impacts of infrastructure on Country was also explored.
Participant Regina McKenzie from Yappala Station (in the photo with Madeline Burgoyne) talked about the power outage after the October 2024 storms and how that presented lots of threats to cultural heritage. Sharing images of damaged transmission lines on her country outside of Hawker, Regina noted environmental and cultural heritage issues are often overlooked suggesting steps must be taken to ensure cultural heritage is adequately protected during the construction and ongoing operation of energy infrastructure.
And Barngarla man Jason Bilney shared his experience of negotiations with large scale projects and partnering in new clean energy projects, including the Eyre Peninsula Link (EPLink) project involving the construction of 270 kilometres of high-voltage transmission line from Cultana to Port Lincoln.
Clean energy projects on country
The Clean Energy Team from Original Power were also present to share stories of their participation in co-developing community-owned solar projects at Marlinja and Booroloola in the Northern Territory. Both communities are working tirelessly to develop community solar microgrids in response to high energy bills and constant disconnections, with Marlinja’s successfully completed in 2024.
The stories of First Nations community-led clean energy solutions from Marlinja and Borroloola continue to inspire.
Retrofitting houses, reviewing energy policy, and advocating for better solutions
Participants also enjoyed special briefings, including from Professor Xing Ke from the University of South Australia who gave an overview and update on the Race 2030 APY lands energy efficiency retrofit pilot. The intended outcome of this project is a model for energy efficiency upgrades in remote housing that can be replicated across the remaining APY Land housing stock, as well as all dry arid regions across states and territories in Australia. The project team and partners are working closely with APY residents to ensure solutions are fit for purpose and consider community needs.
Bec Law shared information about Renew Australia for All, a coalition of community groups, unions, social services and environmental organisations working together to make sure everyone benefits from cheaper, cleaner energy.
And finally, Associate Professor Duygu Yengin from the University of South Australia discussed research to be undertaken looking into First Nations leadership in land and energy policy in South Australia, and their call-out for First Nations Research Partners for the study.
Understanding utilities
Tegan Miller from the First Nations Clean Energy Network, who is also the First Peoples Engagement Lead for CitiPower and Powercor in Victoria, lead a panel discussion with Keenan Smith, Cultural Heritage Advisor at ElectraNet, and Chad Ytsma, Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Coordinator at SA Power Networks & Enerven, about utilities and energy providers, their roles and responsibilities, and the work they needed to undertake to understand and respond to the consumer needs of First Nations communities.
Music and networking
Following the Networking event guests were treated to a live music event with iconic reggae, rock music legends Coloured Stone with Bunna Lawrie and Jason Lee Scott, Scotty from the Sandridge Band and much loved Bec Gollan and Jamie Butler. Participants were joined at the event by representatives from the SA government, industry and other organisations.
Final remarks
With new connections, contacts and friendships made, the Gathering closed with optimism and acknowledgment there was much work to be done.
The Network’s Glen Wingfield, based in SA, said through the Gathering bringing a lot of mob together, everyone including the Network learned what is front of mind for communities.
Our people want relief from blackouts, we want our cultural heritage protected, and we want to be in the driver's seat when it comes to clean energy projects being built on our lands and waters. We have a lot of movement going on in SA with renewables and we must be involved.
South Australian Traditional Owners have a big year ahead as ideas of what might be possible are further discussed, and the determination and knowledge to shape the clean energy boom that is rolling out like a big wave across South Australia.
The Network would like to thank all participants and presenters and acknowledge the large distances many people travelled to join the Gathering.
Want to get involved in what’s happening in South Australia?
We encourage all First Nations people to become a member of the First Nations Clean Energy Network. It’s at no cost.
Becoming a member will give you access to:
- Monthly SA Community Zoom meetings
- Regular member newsletters and updates
- Resources and toolkits
- Capacity building opportunities (eg. PowerMakers)
- Our Network representatives in SA, including Glen Wingfield and call Cat Beaton.