Council & Business
1 September, 2022
Energy Breakthrough plans ramp up with community info session
The countdown is on for this year’s Energy Breakthrough (EB), marking not only a comeback after two years, but also the 30th event — with a community information session set to give residents the local scoop on what this year’s event will look...
The countdown is on for this year’s Energy Breakthrough (EB), marking not only a comeback after two years, but also the 30th event — with a community information session set to give residents the local scoop on what this year’s event will look like.
Princes Park will again be brought to life in November as more than 5000 students from over 100 Victorian schools return for the five-day event, which is jointly hosted by the Central Goldfields Shire Council and Country Education Partnership (CEP).
The event, which sees students create human powered vehicles, not only benefits young people but will also be a boon for local tourism, hospitality, accommodation and retail businesses as crowds of over 20,000 make their way to Maryborough.
Ahead of the event, EB organisers are hosting the Energy Breakthrough Local Scoop information session to update the community on where things are at for the upcoming event.
Central Goldfields Shire councillor and Energy Breakthrough committee chairperson Liesbeth Long said excitement was building in the lead up to EB.
“Not only is it our first event since 2019 but we’ll also be celebrating 30 years which is a wonderful milestone that deserves celebration and thanks to our community that make it possible,” she said.
“Despite the event not going ahead the past few years, so much has been happening behind the scenes to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet.
“I encourage our community to get behind this year’s event by coming along to our Local Scoop session so that we can share what we have been up to, build excitement and communicate the ways our community can support and be involved.”
The Local Scoop information session will update the community about the event and how it will look post-pandemic and will also detail engagement opportunities for locals to further support and become involved in the event.
Cr Long said the information session was an opportunity for residents to re-engage with EB.
“Because the event hasn’t run for a couple of years, it may have dropped off of people’s radar,” she said.
“When something is on every year you know what happens but because of the break we’ve had, the management committee thought it would be great to have an information session for the community to let everyone know what’s been planned.
“There are a few changes that have been made since the last event in 2019 that will hopefully bring the event into the 21st century and beyond. The layout of the event will be slightly different, we’ve fine-tuned where things are at and a new event or showcase will be robotics which I’m thrilled about.
“We wanted to give the community an opportunity to find out exactly what’s going on and it’s also an opportunity for residents interested in volunteering to get involved.”
Residents attending the session will hear from both council and CEP representatives, which Cr Long said residents may not have had the chance to do in the past.
“EB is a partnership between the CEP and council and both parties will be there to answer any questions which is something the community may not have been able to do in the past,” she said.
“As sad as it’s been to have the event cancelled for two years, it’s really given the committee the opportunity to drill down and fine tune things to get it running well — I’m really looking forward to this year’s event, I can’t wait.”
The Local Scoop information session will take place next Wednesday, September 7 from 5 until 6 pm at the Maryborough Community Hub, 48 Burns Street.
Residents are able to RSVP online at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/energy-breakthrough-local-scoop-tickets-406637693287