What a night! On Wednesday, 25 June, I had the pleasure of joining the expert panel at Electrify Your Home, a community event hosted by Orange City Council, Electrify 2800 and Rewiring Australia. Held at the Orange Theatre Foyer, the event brought together locals who are curious, motivated, and ready to take action toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient future.
The atmosphere was electric – and not just because we were talking about solar panels and induction cooktops. From the moment the doors opened, the space filled with a buzz of anticipation. Residents from all walks of life came with thoughtful questions, open minds, and a genuine enthusiasm to learn how they could make their homes more comfortable, efficient, and climate-friendly.
The evening covered a wide range of topics, from rooftop solar and battery storage to passive heating, energy upgrades and the practical steps anyone can take to reduce household emissions. I was thrilled to contribute to the panel discussion by sharing how Passivhaus design can work hand in hand with electrification – making homes not only more energy-efficient but also healthier and more resilient in the long run.
What struck me most was how engaged the audience was. The questions were sharp and relevant, touching on everything from rebates and incentives to the nitty-gritty of insulation and building fabric upgrades. People weren’t just there to listen; they were there to plan their next move, to figure out what could work in their home, their budget, their climate.
The feedback afterwards was incredibly positive. Many people said they left feeling empowered and inspired, with a much clearer idea of where to start. It was a reminder of how powerful community events like this can be – not just for information sharing, but for sparking momentum and connection.
For me, being part of this conversation was a real highlight. It’s encouraging to see so many individuals taking steps – big or small – toward electrifying their homes and reducing their impact. The interest in Passivhaus and High Performance Buildings also reinforced that people are not just looking for quick fixes, but for long-term, thoughtful design solutions that support wellbeing and sustainability.
Thank you to everyone who came along and to the organisers for putting together such a meaningful and well-run event. I’m energised by the response and hopeful for what’s to come – because when a community gets behind positive change, the future starts looking a whole lot brighter.
