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 has successfully negotiated a rooftop solar and battery solution for households in their community and they want to share how they did it.

To learn how they did it, we are hosting a webinar for First Nations, industry, government, and anyone who wants to understand how community-led negotiation can deliver affordable, reliable, clean energy for mob.

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 Register here

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. 

Participants learnt more about the commercial equity arrangement the Wellington Aboriginal community's investment vehicle Wambal Bila Ltd negotiated with AMPYR Australia for the Bulabul Battery project to be located on Wiradjuri Country in NSW in this webinar held on 18 December 2025.

Precedent legal documents used in the deal were revealed for First Nations and developers alike, offering a template for First Nations equity participation in other projects. 

The webinar attracted significant interest from First Nations communities and organisations, clean energy developers, the legal fraternity, investors and governments — showing what’s possible when First Nations lead and become genuine partners in Australia's clean energy transition.

• Access the precedent documents
• Watch the webinar

We are excited to invite you to an important webinar: First Nations Equity - Agreement Precedent Sharing in the Bulabul Battery project.

You’re invited to our PowerMakers webinar which will provide key information to help our First Nations members decide whether to participate in PowerMakers 2024.

The First Nations Clean Energy Network is looking at the potential risks and opportunities for First Nations from proposed hydrogen projects in Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.

The First Nations Clean Energy Network has launched a new clean energy Best Practice Guide for First Nations wanting to develop a clean energy project in their homes and communities. 

Twelve months in development, the Community Energy Planning Toolkit has been produced to empower First Nations communities in the pursuit of sustainable, clean energy solutions tailored to our communities.

It will support our communities to explore the possibilities that clean energy can provide, and to start planning to create and develop our own clean energy projects.

We're excited to be hosting a webinar today for MOB ONLY talking about the government's development of the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy.

We're excited to invite you to our next webinar tailored exclusively for our First Nations members.