Murrindindi Shire Council has received $113,000 for a project at Yea Saleyards, while Strathbogie Shire Council has been granted $157,000 to upgrade power sources at Avenel Memorial Hall and Avenel Recreation Reserve.
In Strathbogie, the funding will support the replacement of the battery at Avenel Memorial Hall and the integration of existing solar panels and a generator.
It will also deliver solar panels, battery storage and a back-up generator to the recreation reserve, which is a designated Bushfire Safer Place.
The upgrades are set to power wi-fi, lighting, cooking, medical equipment, device charging and shelter during outages and emergencies, supporting older residents, families, people with medical needs, emergency services, volunteers and pets.
In Murrindindi, the $113,000 will fund the installation of an integrated solar, battery and generator-backed power system at Yea Saleyards.
The project will enable up to three days of power for lighting, communications, amenities, water and animal welfare during outages and emergency events.
The fund has distributed close to $1.7 million across 15 Victorian councils and community groups.
AusNet distribution executive general manager Andrew Linnie said the grants supported community-led projects that built long-term resilience.
“These projects are important because they are shaped and delivered by communities themselves,” Mr Linnie said.
“Local councils, community organisations and volunteers know what they need and have turned that knowledge into practical solutions that keep people safe, connected and supported.”
The fund helps create trusted local places and mobile solutions that keep lights on, phones charged, food and medicines refrigerated, and essential services operating during prolonged outages.
“Grant funding backs local leadership with the infrastructure, education and preparedness communities need to look after each other before during and after events,” Mr Linnie said.
