MASH-wide news

A new round of the MASH Community Solar Bulk-Buy launched on 31 October 2017.  Called MASH 3.2, this round offers high quality solar and battery storage systems including – for the first time through MASH – the Tesla Powerwall 2.  Whilst primarily designed for households, the MASH project can provide tailored solar solutions for businesses, schools and other organisations.

The Hub Foundation, the not-for-profit organiser of the MASH Bulk-Buy, is delighted to be working with Energy Matters as the solar supplier and installer for this round. The MASH project is also supporting local installers, such as Universal Power & Light in Castlemaine, who are working under contract to Energy Matters to do many of the MASH installations in our area.

MASH is going from strength to strength thanks to the support of residents, businesses, Councils and sustainability group partners in the region. Since MASH started in 2014, the project has achieved:

• 700+ residential solar rooftop installations
• Cut CO2 emissions by 4,000 tonnes per year (equal to 800 cars off the road)
• Cut household electricity bills by $500,000 annually
• Donated over 20kW of free solar systems to six community groups and schools

The MASH team is currently seeking expressions of interest for the next free MASH community bonus system – so if you are involved in a community group or school and you think they would benefit from going solar, please get in touch with the MASH organisers at info@hubfoundation.org.au.

The Hub Foundation is proud to acknowledge the supports of its partners including Mount Alexander Shire Council, Mount Alexander Sustainability Group, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Sustainability Group, Bendigo Sustainability Group and Hepburn Wind.

For more information about MASH 3.2 including pricing, visit mash.org.au or call the MASH team on 1300 466 274

Solar will now help power Creswick Neighbourhood Centre thanks to a community energy initiative.

A 3.24kW solar system installed on the roof of the neighbourhood centre is expected to generate 55 per cent of energy consumed on site.

The $5000 project was funded by energy retailer Powershop’s Your Community Energy Initiative in partnership with Hepburn Wind and Castlemaine based not-for-profit The Hub Foundation.

Hepburn Wind identified Creswick Neighbourhood Centre as an ideal candidate for the energy initiative because of their ongoing work with the local community.

By cutting electricity costs, these solar installations will help the neighbourhood centre focus on its work with the community, Powershop spokesperson Abbie Allen said.

Hepburn Wind community manager Taryn Lane said the money saved on electricity would help the neighbourhood centre work within the community.

These savings will unlock funds for community activities and are expected to cut four tonnes of CO2 each year, Ms Lane said.

Solar on community facilities is a great way to help our region reduce CO2 emissions and get on track to zero-net energy by 2025.

The Hub Foundation carried out the installation of the new solar panels.

It’s great to see community groups be part of the transition to a carbon-free future. We’re happy to have done our bit and we’re looking forward to doing much more, The Hub Foundation project officer Jo Kaptein said.

Creswick Neighbourhood Centre manager Kim Gilliott said a commitment to lowering emissions and demonstrating environmental responsibility had been a long-term strategic goal for the centre.

A Hepburn Shire Council Carbon Free Action Workshop will be held in Daylesford on October 14 from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Victoria Park Pavillion.

Come to a celebration of cycling in our Shire! It’s time for the annual Ride to Work/Play/School brekkie celebration in Castlemaine – the same day as the National Ride to Work celebration.

Our Castlemaine event will be on Wednesday 18th of October at Winters Flat Primary School – a new location for us and an opportunity we hope to reach out more widely to people within our community.

This is a free event and will be fun for all. It is organised by The Hub Foundation (the crowd behind the MASH community solar bulk-buy project), partners and friends.

No need to register. Just come on down!