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

The phrase “If you are not at the table, you are probably on the menu” emphasizes the crucial role of community involvement in decision-making. Communities understand their own needs, aspirations, and dynamics best, and because no two are alike, their participation is essential for any project's success.

In this episode, Wendy Agar chats with Ali McLean from Hay Shire Council and Kate Hook about how their accidental meeting grew into a partnership that led to the proactive, collaborative approach taken by the Hay district in Western New South Wales. They share the inspiring story of how they supported a genuine community-led process to decide what the energy transition should look like for the Hay district.

This episode offers an insightful look into the successful process driven by local leadership and supported by a backbone organization—in this case, Hay Shire Council. Key topics include:

The drivers for Hay to do it differently

The importance of ‘warts and all’ conversations, partnerships, and collaboration

Their process to ‘bring the community along’ on the co-design process

The result of Hay’s efforts is a document outlining the fundamental principles for a successful energy transition in the Hay LGA (Fundamental Principles for Successful Renewal Development in Hay LGA)

If you're involved in renewable energy development or community engagement, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable strategies that can be applied anywhere.

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 episode, we sit down with Jamahl Waddington, Head of Infrastructure Advisory at JLL.  With over 25 years of experience delivering land for large-scale infrastructure projects, Jamahl has a wealth of knowledge, valuable insights and real-world stories to share!

Joining Wendy Agar, Jamahl discusses ‘what’s essential right now’ from a land liaison perspective during the rollout of infrastructure that’s essential to Australia’s energy transition. They dive into key topics, including:

Packed with practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working in land access or generally engaging with communities around renewable energy development. Jamahl offers actionable tips for engaging effectively with landholders and building lasting relationships that will help ensure long-term success — long after the project is completed.

If you're involved in land access or the energy transition, this conversation is not to be missed!

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 inspiring episode, Wendy Agar sits down with Cathy McGowan for a candid conversation about the energy transition and how it’s impacting regional communities. While some have found the transition challenging, there are shining examples where local leaders have united their communities and developed strategies to ensure a prosperous future in the net zero era.

Together, they delve into:

Cathy shares her stories, ideas, and insights on leading change and promoting proactive engagement with the benefits of the energy transition at a community and regional level. This episode offers a mud map for community members to lead grassroots involvement and initiatives,  and challenges everyone to ensure regional communities are well-informed and central to the net zero 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.

Produced By The Podcast Boss

With the majority of clean energy infrastructure being built in regional Australia—largely on privately owned land—engaging with landholders presents unique complexities. These landholders range from large-scale farmers and First Nations people to those on smaller lifestyle properties, each with their own expectations and needs.

In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down with Carly Burnham, the 2024 Australian Organic Farmer of the Year (Home | Bonnie Doone Beef), to explore how agriculture intersects with development in both her business and the broader community. Together, they discuss:

Carly’s insights into the energy transition

The intricacies of running a diversified agricultural business

Social licence in agriculture

Practical strategies for inclusive engagement

This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to understand the perspectives, priorities, and concerns of landholders during the energy transition.  

We’d love to hear your stories about regional engagement during the energy transition! Reach out at [email protected] .

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 many regional Australian communities, the energy transition feels like something happening to them, not with them. When large-scale changes unfold rapidly, it creates a complex environment for engagement and communication.

In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down with internationally recognized risk communication specialist Kelly Parkinson to explore the fundamentals of risk communication and why it’s such a critical skill for those working on the ground during the energy transition. Together, they discuss:

Kelly provides practical insights and techniques to help listeners engage more effectively with regional communities, offering tools to manage heightened emotions and navigate difficult conversations. If you're engaging with individuals or communities around renewable energy development, this episode offers valuable takeaways to build trust and manage risk with confidence.

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