Hepburn renewable energy association (hrea) was established in 2005, with the intention to build Australia’s first community-owned wind farm.

The association was started by a small group of local residents, who with the support of over 400 members and a partnership with Future Energy, were able to gain planning permission for a small community wind park in 2007.

The project, now being developed by Hepburn Wind Cooperative (www.hepburnwind.com.au) and Future Energy (www.futureenergy.com.au ), consists of two modern, 2 Megawatt (MW) turbines, situated at Leonards Hill in the Hepburn Shire.

cultivating sustainable community

Following the handover for the development of the wind park to Hepburn Wind, hrea has gone through a period of reflection and reformation, redefining its goals, beyond the boundaries of the wind park project. 

With a new focus on cultivating sustainable community and showcasing sustainable local initiatives, hrea is currently building a new website platform and networks within the shire.

Core Strategy 1
Create a Sustainable Organisation

1. Build and connect with membership
2. Create working groups
3. Communicate regularly

Core Strategy 2
Be the ears and voice of sustainability

1. Create a useful website
2. Produce regular newsletters / Green News
3. Connect with Council

Core Strategy
Connecting & catalysing local sustainability initiatives

1. We support what is happening by an agreed selection criteria  that fit our core values
2. Identify priority projects
3. Get the word out

Core Strategy 4
Building Capacity

1. Inspiration and motivation through  programs, education, forums we originate
2. Connecting with community groups
3. We make it happen

Committee

Laurel Freeland, President Laurel cares passionately about living in harmony with others and the planet. She has made a concerted effort to learn about sustainability through deep ecology work, leadership in sustainability and practical sustainability. In her facilitation work she provides tools and support for people to live in a more connected way. Laurel envisages a world where people are connected and joyful and there is enough for all to share, now and in the future.

Anneke Deutsch , Secretary Anneke Deutsch moved to the Hepburn region 17 years ago. She has degrees in Fine Art-Sculpture as well as in Applied Science-Prosthetics & Orthotics. She has worked for the last 10 years on measures to reduce her household’s CO2 emissions by installing a 1.8kW grid connected photo voltaic system, a solar hot water/wet back system, building vegetable gardens and making biodiesel for transport from used vegetable oil.

Karen McAloon, Secretary Originally from a dairy farm in Western Victoria, Karen moved from the city with her husband to raise their family in the country. Her land is a vast 70 acres and they have quickly learnt how to live in balance with the bush, regenerating the native forest, providing habitat, and managing the forest with the risk of bushfires in mind. Karen has also completed the leadership course in sustainability sponsored by Hepburn Shire and Sustainability Victoria.

Fiona Robson Fiona lives in Daylesford with her husband and young son. She has worked in IT, Organisational Development and Community Development. Fiona is interested in all aspects of sustainability including the social, economic and spiritual. She is keen to help individuals, businesses, organisations & governments work together successfully and to make it easy as possible for people to take actions that benefit themselves, others and future generations.

rules of the association

Read the association rules
here