Latrobe Valley and Gippsland
Transition Goes Global
There's no doubt the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland are viewed as international exemplars in transition and the LVA was pleased to host delegates from both Germany and Brunei during February. GERMANY
Parliamentary State Secretary from the German Federal Government Anette Kramme MP (above - fourth from the left) led a delegation to the Latrobe Valley, visiting the ENGIE Australia & New Zealand's Hazelwood mine site and TAFE Gippsland's Morwell campus. Germany's renewable energy sector is one of the most innovative and successful in the world. The Energiewende (German for energy turnaround) is Germany's energy transition to a low carbon, environmentally sound, reliable, and affordable energy supply. Based mainly on renewables including wind, biomass, solar and hydro, the system prioritises energy efficiency and energy demand management. The visit was a terrific opportunity to share experiences and insights with a high-level delegation from Europe. Landform rehabilitation that aligns with community values and a deep investment in skills and education are definite priorities both here in Gippsland and in Germany. BRUNEI
The LVA was pleased to welcome a delegation of climate change officials from Brunei Darussalam to the region and host them at Lardner Park in West Gippsland. Brunei has a high reliance on energy from fossil fuels, particularly gas, and is aiming for a power generation mix of 30% renewable energy by 2035. With the common connection of sustainability and transition underpinning the visit, delegates were joined in discussions organised by representatives from the LVA, TAFE Gippsland, Wellington Shire Council, the Gippsland Climate Change Network, Elecsome, and Lardner Park.
Top – The German delegation visiting Hazelwood mine site.
Above – Members of the Brunei delegation inspect Lardner Park’s floating solar project.
Community Day - Hazelwood Mine Fire:10 Years On
Anniversary, acknowledgement, activities and awareness February 17 saw industry, community and government came together to mark the significant progress the Latrobe Valley community has made since the Hazelwood Mine Fire in 2014. The LVA was pleased to support and be part of the community day held at Kernot Hall. A massive day of acknowledgement, reflection, celebration and inclusion was organised by Life After Coal's Stephanie Sabrinskas and Josie Hess, the event working group, and a host of volunteers. The event was a huge success and an engaging and respectful way to bring the community together to mark such a significant event. There was a beautiful energy throughout the day as people came together in recognition of the enormous impact the fire had on our community for better and worse.
Visitors to the LVA booth were asked to share their thoughts regarding...
What do you want for yourself, your family, your community, and for Gippsland in 2035? This is a collection of responses from the day...
Top - photos used with permission.
Attendees excited about having their photo taken using our quirky cut-outs (above) and keen to chat about what they want for themselves, for their family, for their community, and for Gippsland in 2035.
Innovation Breakfasts kick off with the
Hazelwood Health Study
2024 Gippsland Innovation Breakfasts The Innovation Breakfast series is a collaboration between Federation University, Latrobe Valley Authority and Regional Development Victoria. The event brings together community, government, industry and education to generate creative thinking and inspire change in Gippsland. The first Innovation Breakfast of 2024 reflected on progress from the Hazelwood Health Study, designed to monitor the long-term
health impacts of Latrobe Valley community members following the 2014 Hazelwood mine fire event. The research study is now in its final year of a 10-year Victorian Government supported project. Researchers working on the health study presented findings to the breakfast audience and the group.
My journey at the LVA - Enayat Azimi
The LVA was delighted to host Enayat, a Deakin University marketing student, over the summer months. We’re not quite sure what Enayat was expecting when he was welcomed by the LVA via the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Internship Program, but he soon found himself working on all sort of projects supporting the regional transition in Gippsland. Here’s Enayat’s story about his time with the LVA. We’re pretty sure Gippsland has a new fan and that we’ll be seeing him contributing in one way or another to the region over his career. Best wishes Enayat! Embrace every opportunity, challenge yourself, and never stop learning Hello, everyone! My name is Enayat Azimi, and I want to share my journey during my time at Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA). When I joined LVA as a Communication and Marketing Assistant through the CareerSeekers program, I was excited yet a bit nervous. Coming from a diverse background with zero experience in
the government sector, this was a whole new experience for me. But from the moment I walked into the office in Morwell, I felt welcomed.
Photo - LVA's Sarita Torres, Ash Hall, Enayat Azimi, Penny Molnar and Chris Buckingham.
The Gippsland Circular Economy Hub Forum Circular activities and processes not only extend the usable life of products but also extend their value, reduce waste and pollution, create new jobs, and raise economic growth. Join Gippsland business, industry and community to look at how:
♻️ the region's circular economy story is going so far
🤝 collaboration will benefit Gippsland's transition towards net zero
✋ you can get involved. This will be a hybrid event at 1pm Wednesday 3rd April. Keep an eye on our website and socials or email Nick at contact@lva.vic.gov.au for further information.
New Energy Technology (NET) Program In its second year, the Baw Baw and Latrobe Local Learning & Employment Network's NET Program is an exciting opportunity for young people in years 9 and 10 to learn about jobs of the future in renewable energy, technologies, and industries. It enables industries to be involved in educating young people via a series of learning activities at the Gippsland Tech School. LVA's Director Emerging Industries Bodye Darvill is a facilitator this year and will mentor students in their quest to discover more about new energy technologies and solve real world challenges.
We've joined the Sunflower Not all disabilities are visible, some people (or their carer) may choose to wear the Sunflower lanyard to discreetly show they need a little extra time, understanding or assistance. The LVA is now part of a world-wide program that supports people with non-visible disabilities; we are listed and identified as a Sunflower-friendly place. When a Sunflower wearer comes into our office, we'll ask how we can help... with kindness, patience and respect, and no other questions. Find
out more about Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and how you can provide support.
SEMMA Gippsland regional membership The South East (Melbourne) Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) plays a critical role in ensuring manufacturing in all Victoria’s Southeast remains strong and vibrant and sustainable in the 21st Century. SEMMA is an independent, regionally focused manufacturing advocate. Gippsland businesses now have the opportunity to join SEMMA at an introductory rate Membership – SEMMA
Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan An important reminder...there are lots of new activities, initiatives, projects and programs across industries, education, communities and governments since The Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan was launched in August! The most recent update to the Plan includes information about a number of new health projects, with a focus on young people and primary school children, liveability improvements. Visit our website to discover more
about Gippsland 2035 and the Transition Plan.
Newsletter - February 2024
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