First Nations, industry and government are invited to an inspiring webinar showcasing what's possible when First Nations communities lead their own energy future.

The Point Pearce Aboriginal Community in South Australia successfully negotiated a rooftop solar and battery solution for households in their community and joined us to share how they did it.

In our recent webinar, First Nations, industry, government, and those who want to understand how community-led negotiation can deliver affordable, reliable, clean energy for mob heard directly from Eddie Newchurch (Point Pearce Aboriginal Community) and David Russell (ALG) about how they made it happen.

Webinar details  Date: Thursday 16 April 2026 Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm (ACST - SA time)  Platform: Zoom - Link to be provided upon registration  Speakers: Eddie Newchurch, Chairperson,  Point Pearce Aboriginal Community David Russell, Senior Manager, Stakeholder Engagement (SA & QLD), AGL Read the case study

Webinar Recording 

Background

Led by one of the Network’s fabulous PowerMakers, Narungga man Eddie Newchurch negotiated a deal with local electricity retailer AGL to get rooftop solar installed on every house in the community of Point Pearce.

Eddie says the renewable energy solution came out of a phone call with Jo Maddin from AGL.

“Jo rang me and said AGL is doing a project up at Barn Hill.

“I said alright, let’s have a yarn about solar.”

Eddie says following discussions, AGL agreed to install and fund solar on everybody's homes “to bring down the electricity prices”.

Jason Layatt, head of corporate finance with AGL says their proposal is to install 6 to 7 kilowatts of solar on each household. 

“There's about 40 households, so 440 systems, and in addition to that, a 10 kilowatt hour solar battery to support their energy generation and energy usage,” says Jason.

“On a typical South Australian household this will translate to approximately $1000 to $2000 a year in electricity cost savings.” 

Narungga Elder Rex Angie supports the solar solution.

“We need energy so we can live. People are going to live in houses and they need power.

“I’m really happy with it.”

Glen Wingfield, SA coordinator with the First Nations Clean Energy Network says the renewable energy solution is a good example of community leading in negotiations with local energy providers.

“At the Network, we talk to industry and government a lot about ensuring energy security for mob. 

"Everyone says they want to do the right thing, make energy reliable and affordable, and ensure no one is left behind in South Australia’s energy transition.

“But sometimes they don’t know where to start.”

Glen says AGL worked with the community to identify their energy needs, and in partnership designed a workable affordable solution that meets community needs.

“With over 4 millions homes in Australia enjoying rooftop solar and battery solutions and clean reliable affordable energy, it’s great that First Nations in Point Pearce will also enjoy the same benefits,” says Glen.

“It will mean Point Pearce residents’ energy costs will be more affordable, allowing community members to direct their attention towards the aspirations of local members, such as housing energy efficiency so that houses stay cool in the heat and warm in the cold, good healthy food for families, and local activities ensuring the health and wellbeing of mob.

“We encourage all First Nations groups to contact their local utilities and set about working to get solar on every household around Australia. 

“Point Pearce and AGL have created the template for how it can be done.”

The installation is commencing in 2026. 

Community has successfully negotiated an affordable reliable clean energy solution for all households in Point Pearce Aboriginal community in South Australia.

When we first started doing this quite a few years ago, we're like, surely you can just put solar on the roofs and then we're done, right? 

While rooftop solar has been installed on over 3.5 million houses in Australia, there are next to none on First Nations homes.

First Nations remain locked out of clean energy investment and housing and community-led initiatives, yet frequently experience unreliable, expensive, or power disconnections, living without an air conditioner as the climate warms, without a refrigerator to keep food and medicines cool, and without the ability to recharge phones and computers so that kids can do their homework.

While we continue to strongly advocate for government-backed renewable energy rebates and incentives for First Nations households, this session looks at what we can do now to improve our energy security - the appliances that pass the test, how to get off gas, and other simple energy efficiency measures to save us money on our electrification journey.

SPEAKERS: Janeen Bulsey, Vanessa Davis, Kerry Connors, Ruby Heard (Facilitator)

Norman Frank Jupurrurla from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory got rooftop solar on his home, but it wasn't easy.

In Tennant Creek, the sun shines about 300 days of the year but for many in the Indigenous community, that energy isn’t being put to good use in the home.

Rooftop solar can reduce energy insecurity and improve wellbeing among First Nations households pre-paying for electricity in the Northern Territory.

Despite the potential benefits, getting rooftop solar projects up and running hasn't been easy.