Newham CFA enjoys solar power thanks to MRSG

Captain Steve Flounders (left) with the Newham CFA crew after a property fire-safety assessment; David Gormley-O’Brien, MRSG president (centre). Photo by Monrose Design.

Newham CFA brigade is a grateful beneficiary of a 5kW solar power system installation thanks to a grant from MRSG’s Renewable Energy Fund. MRSG President, David Gormley-O’Brien, says that MRSG is delighted to support the important work that the Newham CFA volunteers do to protect our region during fire season and hopes that more funds will become available to expand the installation to include battery storage in the future thereby providing some resilience in case of cuts to the electricity grid in an emergency event.

In addition to Newham CFA, MRSG has used its Renewable Energy Fund to enable several local community groups to benefit from the solar installations, saving electricity costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including Woodend Primary School, Woodend Neighbourhood House, and Kyneton Caring Community. MRSG’s Sustainable Malmsbury action group also helped rally local support for the solar and battery installation at Malmsbury CFA last year. If your community group in the Macedon Ranges would like to explore going solar and being supported by either an interest free loan or a matched grant please contact MRSG on reag@mrsg.org.au