Lighthouse series

What does it take for communities to lead the renewable energy transition—not just be consulted? In this episode, Wendy Agar talks with Dr Amanda Cahill and Dr Gareth Edwards about empowering local leadership, supporting self-determination, and making engagement meaningful.

 They share real-world stories and insights from regional Australia and around the world, based on their book Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible. Together, they explore:

 Whether you work in renewable energy, policy, engagement, or simply care about stronger outcomes for regional Australia—this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration.

Get your copy here - Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible with discount code 25AFLY1 for a 20% discount.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Produced by The Podcast Boss

The energy transition is reshaping regional Australia—but how do we ensure that agriculture and community are at the table, and truly benefiting from it? In this episode Wendy Agar sits down with Jo Sheppard, CEO of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), to tackle the big questions at the intersection of agriculture, energy, engagement, and regional leadership.

With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and rural communities, Jo shares her insights on:

Learn more about the work and resources of QFF here:Energy - Queensland Farmers' Federation

If you care about the future of regional Australia and how agriculture can coexist with the renewable energy shift, this episode is a must-listen.

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Young people aren’t just the future—they’re a vital part of the now. So how do we ensure their voices are truly heard in the renewable energy transition?

In this episode, Wendy Agar chats with Stephanie Sabrinskas—a passionate organiser, impact producer, and the creative mind behind Power Pops, a virtual reality youth engagement program with the Gippsland Climate Change Network.

Based in the Latrobe Valley, Stephanie brings six years of experience documenting the energy transition in Gippsland and working directly with young people to bring their ideas, energy, and leadership to the table.

You’ll hear:

If you care about empowering the next generation, building inclusive engagement, and creating an energy shift that reflects all voices—this episode is not to be missed.

Learn more about Stephanie’s work at: Gippsland Climate Change Network - https://www.gccn.org.au/news/power-pops | Gippsland New Energy Portal - https://gippslandnewenergy.com.au/ 

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this Lighthouse Series episode of the emPOWER podcast, Wendy Agar is joined by Nils Hay, Winston Churchill Fellow and regional development leader from Western Australia. Nils recently completed his international study tour, Regional Power Surge, exploring how large-scale renewable and low-carbon energy projects are impacting regional communities across the globe.

Together, Wendy and Nils explore the big question:

In this episode, they discuss:

Nils brings a grounded, real-world perspective shaped by years working across regional development and local government in Queensland and Western Australia.  You can read his Churchill report here: Report Completed - Nils Hay

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Tune in to hear how we can avoid repeating mistakes, borrow from global success stories, and build a stronger, fairer transition for regional Australia.

Produced by The Podcast Boss

When big energy projects come to town, what lasting impact do they leave behind? Too often, regional communities receive a flood of short-term sponsorship dollars—but without a plan, the money disappears, leaving little more than a few BBQs and a set of netball skirts.

The community of Miles, QLD, refused to let that happen!

During the coal seam gas (CSG) boom, this small town 300km west of Brisbane found itself at the centre of rapid development. Rather than accepting a cycle of fragmented funding, a group of locals took control—leading a co-designed Community Investment Plan that ensured energy company investments and community benefit funds could easily be strategically aligned with the town’s long-term vision, creating real, lasting impact.

In this episode, Western Downs Regional Councils Deputy Mayor Kylie Bourne joins host Wendy Agar to unpack:

This isn’t just the story of one town—it’s a blueprint for any community facing rapid change. Want more real-world lessons? Check out these other emPOWER episodes:

to hear how other communities are navigating the energy transition and check out The Energy Charter’s #BetterTogether Wimmera Southern Mallee Collaboration to see what’s happening on the ground.

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Produced by The Podcast Boss

It’s a question that keeps popping up in the energy shift across the country—and one that professionals across the industry struggle to answer. Why do some communities push back harder than others? Why does trust seem so hard to build… and so easy to lose?

Join Wendy Agar, your host, as she unpacks  the deep drivers of community anger, social license and trust building with Dr Kieren Moffat, a global expert who has spent decades turning research into real-world action. From tackling inter-group conflict in the Australian Defence Force to leading groundbreaking work at CSIRO and launching Voconiq, Kieren has seen firsthand what fuels community frustration—and, more importantly, what actually works to rebuild trust.

We’re tackling the tough questions, including:

This isn’t just theory—this is about practical solutions. Whether you’re in renewables, infrastructure, or community engagement, this episode will help you navigate complexity, reduce friction, and engage communities in ways that actually work.

From a dream of becoming a pro golfer to global social license expert, Kieren’s journey is anything but typical…and neither is this conversation!

Tune in now and get ready to change the way you think about social license, building trust and gaining acceptance!

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Produced by The Podcast Boss

How do we build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with communities that have been over-researched, over-consulted, and over-promised?

Join Wendy Agar in this inspiring episode of the Voices from the Regions series as she explores this question with Mayor Bruce Simpson from the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council. A standout speaker from the 2024 Power Hour virtual forum series, Mayor Simpson shares his perspective on what the energy transition means for his community and how to engage with respect, authenticity, and purpose.

In this episode, he discusses:

Mayor Simpson challenges the status quo, calling for a new narrative where First Nations communities aren’t just participants, but leaders in the energy shift. Packed with real-world stories and practical advice, this episode is essential listening for anyone working in community engagement, renewable energy, or regional development.

Learn more about Cherbourg’s history here: Ration Shed Museum

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Inspired by Mayor Simpson’s message? Hit FOLLOW and SHARE this episode with anyone passionate about genuine engagement, renewable energy, or regional development. Let’s change the conversation together!

Produced by The Podcast Boss

How do you create lasting relationships between agriculture and the renewable energy industry? Join Wendy Agar as she explores this question with Brent Finlay, a Queensland sheep and wind farmer, former National Farmers’ Federation President, and a host landholder for the McIntyre Windfarm, and Maria Baker, the project’s community engagement lead.

Together, Brent and Maria share their unique insights and learnings from developing the McIntyre Windfarm, one of Australia’s largest renewable energy projects. From fostering early trust to building enduring partnerships, they reveal what it takes to make renewable energy coexist successfully with local communities.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Whether you’re a renewable energy professional, a landholder, or someone passionate about community engagement, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Join Wendy Agar as she sits down with Rod Stowe, former Fair Trading Commissioner (NSW), and Janine Young, Ombudsman at Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW.

Rod draws from his experience conducting community engagement reviews for Transgrid’s Hume Link project, while Janine offers her unique perspective on resolving disputes and supporting individuals when things go wrong. Together, they explore what it truly takes to engage effectively during the rollout of essential energy infrastructure.

Tune in to hear their insights on:

Packed with actionable tips and real-world stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in land access, community engagement, or renewable energy projects. Rod and Janine share practical advice on fostering lasting relationships that ensure project success long after completion.

Don’t miss this essential conversation—perfect for professionals driving Australia's energy transition!

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

The energy transition is reshaping local communities and businesses, bringing both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. For those living and engaging in their home communities, this shift comes with unique responsibilities. Local community engagement professionals and land agents are often hired because they are trusted, connected, and better equipped to navigate the subtle nuances of their region.

In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down with John Carey, Stakeholder Engagement Manager (Southern Queensland) at Stanwell. With over 16 years of experience in energy and mining, his experience includes engaging with landowners who have experienced three (3) different major energy projects in his home community in the South Burnett region of Queensland. John shares his reflections on engaging authentically for the long term in his home community.

He offers insights on:

Building long-term relationships with the community

The keys to earning and maintaining trust

Delivering genuine, impactful engagement

Navigating the intricacies of working in a region you call home

John also leaves engagement practitioners with an important challenge: "Are you an ‘owner’ or a ‘renter’ in your community’s projects?"

Join us for a thoughtful discussion about the unique challenges and rewards of being deeply embedded in your community’s journey through the energy transition.

John was also a guest panellist on our Power Hour virtual forum, 'Understanding Landholders,' which is definitely worth a watch. Catch the insightful discussion here.Understanding Landholders Power Hour 06 06 2024   ( https://youtu.be/c91EwoOGnT8)

This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia.

EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.

Produced By The Podcast Boss