Over six new full-time jobs have been created as a result of the second round of the MASH community solar panels bulk-buy in Mount Alexander Shire and Macedon Ranges.
Castlemaine solar PV installer, Universal Power & Light, has recruited one and half full-time employees as a result of the MASH2 project and New Connect Solar of New Gisborne has recruited five full-time staff.
Morgan Kurrajong, Owner of Universal Power & Light, said, “The MASH2 project has enabled me to employ an extra one and a half people a week for the last 6 months. It is a great feeling to provide employment and training for young people in this town.”
Luke Walford, Managing Director of New Connect Solar said, “The MASH2 project has given us the opportunity to expand as a business. We have employed five more full time staff to accommodate for the work load and occupy a building in the New Gisborne industrial estate. This brings the total number of full-time employees to ten.”
“Prior to MASH, virtually all our work was outside the Shire”, said Luke. “The opportunity to work locally I estimate has increased our net profit by at least 10%.”
Over 460 homes in Mount Alexander Shire and Macedon Ranges have chosen to ‘go solar’ with MASH resulting in electricity bill savings for residents of over $360,000 per year and around 2,500 tonnes saved in CO2 emissions. MASH2 closed for registrations at the end of February 2016. The next round – called MASH3 – will launch in mid 2016. MASH is organised by The Hub Foundation, a not-for-profit in Castlemaine. To register your interest, visit www.mash.org.au