37 First Nations people from across Australia have been selected from over 100 applicants to attend the ‘s second program for emerging First Nations leaders in the clean energy transition, from 4-8 November 2024 in Perth.
Following the success of the inaugural PowerMakers program in , PowerMakers 2024 aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to emerge as leaders in the clean energy transition, capable of successfully advancing clean energy projects and driving positive change in communities.
Karrina Nolan, co-Chair of the First Nations Clean Energy Network says significant renewable energy resources will be needed to power Australia’s transition, all of which need consent from Traditional Owners.
“This is the time to make sure our people and communities are powerful enough for our aspirations for economic self determination, to be at the centre, and for the renewables revolution to be powered by us, on our terms.
“Our capacity to negotiate well for strong agreements, benefit-sharing and equity, to exercise good governance, enter strong partnerships with proponents, and build energy security and affordability through First Nations-led development, leadership and ownership of our energy futures is a key feature of PowerMakers.
“We want to ensure we do this transition right, through changing the expectations of industry, building the capability of our communities, and encouraging government to invest in the right frameworks, incentives and system design.”
As a national First Nations-led network with over 1,000 First Nations Members (individuals and organisations), the First Nations Clean Energy Network has been a driving force in advocating for First Nations benefits and outcomes in the Capacity Investment Scheme and bill, and by kick-starting the soon-to-be-released all-energy-ministers .
Karrina says building the capacity of our people is a key ingredient in getting this transition right.
“The calibre of this year’s PowerMakers cohort illustrates the level of leadership and commitment our communities have about clean energy and their determination to ensure our people are leading this transition.
“We will continue to invest in building the capacity and resourcing of communities towards First Nations ownership and economic development.”
