Repower Festival
Published on 14 February 2025
On Sunday, March 23rd, Monbulk will host the first year of the Repower Festival, a vibrant celebration centered on sustainability, electrification, and community resilience. This family-friendly event promises a day filled with fun, live music, children’s activities, and learning opportunities for everyone.
The festival is a collaborative effort by community groups Repower the Dandenongs, Healesville CoRE, and MADCOW, with support from Yarra Ranges Council, Community Bank Monbulk & District, and Monbulk Primary School.
“We saw a need to share the latest opportunities available to switch to renewable energy,” the organising group said. “An electrification movement has begun thanks to the availability of efficient electric appliances and the advocacy of groups like Rewiring Australia and Renew Australia for all.”
The festival will help address common misconceptions about electrification, renewable energy and home energy efficiency, which can often leave people feeling overwhelmed. “Our goal is to demystify terms like ‘electrification’, ‘energy efficiency’ ‘resilience,’ and ‘sustainable building’, and to encourage those that attend to take the next step – whether that’s considering purchasing an electric vehicle or hot water heat pump or getting quotes to install solar or making simple upgrades to improve home efficiency.”
Keynote speakers will include Tim Forcey, author of the best-selling book My Energy Efficient Home, who will give advice on how residents can save money on their power bills. Hills locals Mel Cutler and Daniel Wurm will share how they transformed their homes to be sustainable. Jeremy McLeod, Co-founder of Breathe Architecture and Nightingale Housing, and Dan Cass, Co-founder of Rewiring Australia, will also share their insights and experiences.
The Repower marketplace will be a one-stop shop for all home efficiency and electrification products, featuring local businesses ready to answer questions. “By providing accurate information and practical guidance, we can break down barriers and alleviate fears making it more accessible and appealing to everyone.”
Monbulk Primary School, recognised as a five-star sustainable school, will also participate. Grade 5 & 6 students will present a visionary project, showcasing a model of what a sustainable Monbulk could look like in the next 25-50 years.
The festival will feature two music stages with performances by the Incredible Cucumbers, local buskers, and other acts, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Kids will have a blast with activities such as face painting, electric go-karts, and pedal-powered smoothies. There will be a variety of delicious food and drink options, including offerings from fresh local businesses, coffee, smoothies, pizza, and a sausage sizzle.
The festival will showcase a variety of cutting-edge electric vehicles in the electric vehicle display, and attendees will be able to test ride a variety of e-bikes and chat to experts from local Monbulk business COG Bikes.
To learn more, visit repowerfestival.au or email repowerfestival@gmail.com
Image: Repower Festival working group