By Dongyun Kwon
Healesville Community Renewable Energy (Healesville CoRE) is inviting community members to its inaugural Expert EcoChat session.
The Expert EcoChat is an opportunity for householders to get personalised advice from trusted, independent experts in sustainable housing and energy efficient living.
Healesville CoRE president Karen Roberts said 10 experts will be at the event to provide free advice on subjects to do with sustainable living.
“For instance, if you are renovating your home and would like to discuss insulation and thermal comfort, if you are curious about electric vehicles and have questions about charging batteries, their driving range etc, or if you are considering installing a solar system or wondering if a heat pump is worth it, our experts will be happy to have a 20-minute one-on-one, no obligation chat with you,” she said.
“(For 10 experts,) we have architects, builders, electricians, energy efficiency experts, solar installers, etc.
“They all have one thing in common, a passion for sustainable design and helping people achieve affordable and low carbon living that is comfortable all year round.”
The idea of this event came up after many questions about electrifying homes were asked during the Q and A session at the Healesville CoRE’s latest free community event.
“This led us to think that it would be good to provide an opportunity for the community to be able to ask questions about their own situation, but with someone ‘in the know’ who can advise them directly,” the president said.
“Our neighbours at Clean Energy Nillumbik ran an Expert EcoChat last year and we have used the same consultant to organise ours.”
Depending on the feedback of the upcoming inaugural session, the local renewable energy group is thinking of making it an annual event.
“We have been able to run this free event, using funding from our partnership grant with Yarra Ranges Council who have supported us for many years now,” Ms Roberts said.
“We are also particularly trying to reach young families and local businesses, who are doing it hard, to give them the chance to get all the facts and make informed decisions and hopefully, save money.”
The inaugural Expert EcoChat will be held from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 10 May at the Healesville Senior Citizens Centre on 18 Green Street, Healesville.
To find out more or book a chat, visit the following website, healesvillecore.org.au/events/event/expert-ecochats-saturday-10-may-2025/
For any enquiries, please contact Healesville CoRE at events@healesvillecore.org.au
