Geelong Sustainability Group Inc

2024 was another fantastic year for Geelong Sustainability, one marked by significant growth both in the scope of our projects and the strength of our team. We are proud of the milestones we ve achieved, reflecting the dedication of our staff, volunteers and partners, as well as the community's ongoing support for a sustainable future. We continued our efforts to support notforprofit organisations in accessing vital energy upgrades through the Community Energy Revolving Fund and Community Power Hub programs. Our 2023 Electric Homes Program, which saw exceptional results, was expanded into 2024, allowing even more households to transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. The year also saw us amplify our advocacy for climate action. We engaged with state and federal Members of Parliament voicing the need for immediate and effective policies to combat climate change. These efforts were complemented by our work with new partners, including local councils and businesses, which were essential in broadening our reach and strengthening the impact of our initiatives. The growth and evolution of our organisation necessitated some significant shifts in our governance approach. At a Special General Meeting in October 2023, we adopted new rule changes, following extensive consultation, that better reflect our current scale and our changing needs. These updates were essential to ensure we remain agile, transparent and accountable as we continue to expand. Our focus has also been on developing our longterm vision through Strategy 2030. This strategic framework will guide our priorities and actions over the next decade, enabling us to maximise our impact on environmental sustainability and community resilience. We are proud to have taken steps towards First Nations justice by including Welcome to Country ceremonies at our major events and ensuring deep and genuine Acknowledgements of Country are given where Welcomes are not possible. Our participation in NAIDOC Week through the First Nations Voices on Climate Action event further deepened our engagement with First Nations communities and perspectives. We continued to expand our reach and influence through projects with new stakeholders, such as the Western Alliance for Climate Action (WAGA), RACE for 2030, and West Wind Energy.