Mansfield Adult Community Education (MACE) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the AusNet Community Energy Resilience Community Fund to install a new solar and battery system at our premises - 145-147 High Street in Mansfield.

This funding will significantly enhance MACE’s ability to remain operational during power outages, helping our community stay connected when it matters most. The system will provide reliable device charging, continued access to essential technology and uninterrupted use of our learning, business and community spaces. It also supports MACE’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and lowering energy costs, allowing us to redirect more resources into community programs and services.

As a neighbourhood house, MACE delivers a wide range of community activities, programs and support services. Our centre is also home to permanent users and essential services including the Country Universities Centre Ovens Murray, Indie School Mansfield, Issimo, Higher Ground Travel and Events and our on-site Services Australia Agency. The new system means that, situationally dependent on the nature of any outage or emergency event, many of these activities, programs, classes, study sessions, business operations and community services will be able to continue safely and without major disruption. Staff, students and community members will benefit from a more reliable and resilient facility during these times.

Installation of the solar and battery system will be undertaken over the coming months and will be carried out by Crowe Electrical, a valued local provider.

Kylie Richards, CEO of MACE, said the grant strengthens the resilience of the entire community hub. “Our centre is used by multiple organisations every day and having a dependable backup power supply ensures that education, business and essential community activities can continue whenever it is safe and possible to do so. Staying connected during emergencies is vital and this upgrade gives everyone who relies on our centre greater security and stability. Importantly, it also supports our long-term commitment to sustainability and allows us to invest more directly into the programs and services that benefit our community.”

The installation positions MACE as a reliable community resource, capable of supporting residents, students, local businesses, partner organisations, essential services and neighbourhood house activities when severe weather or power disruptions affect the region.

MACE extends its thanks to AusNet for supporting long term community energy resilience and investing in infrastructure that keeps regional communities safe, connected and able to continue essential operations.