In November 2022 BREAZE Inc. received a grant via the Victorian Government's New Energy Jobs Fund Round 6 (NEJF6) to install 50+kW of solar PV across 5 properties owned and operated by Woodbine Inc., a disability provider in Warracknabeal. This is the third grant BREAZE Inc. has received through the New Energy Jobs Fund, which has been running for 6 years. The 5 properties include three accommodation blocks (one in Echuca), an office and workshop. Based in Warracknabeal, Woodbine is a non-profit organisation providing accommodation, day services and supported employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Established in 1951 and now serving 100+ clients across the region, Woodbine is managed by a community board comprised of local farmers and town professionals.
Vany Gunaratnam, BREAZE Inc Project Manager, estimates that the solar panels will save Woodbine approximately 30% of its energy costs, funds which will be freed up for its core business, helping people with disabilities and their families.
The project, like most community energy projects has a bit of a backstory, originating as a feasibility study undertaken in 2019 by the Ballarat Community Power Hub – delivered by Sustainability Victoria from 2017-2020. At the time, Powercor's network capacity limits stalled the the project's implementation. Re-visited in late 2021 by the Grampians Community Power Hub – the Woodbine project got a re-boot on the back of network improvements and the timely announcement of NEF6. Following consultation with then Woodbine CEO Bernie O'Connor and Deputy CEO Jo Tobias, BREAZE Inc. submitted an application. Under the grant, Woodbine Inc and BREAZE Inc. jointly matched 50% of the NEJF funding ($44,700) from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). The Woodbine Solar Project was managed by a steering group consisting of BREAZE Board members Vany Gunaratnam and Mary Debrett and Woodbine's incoming CEO Jason Minter and Deputy CEO Jo Tobias, who met regularly via Zoom until the project was complete and the contract fulfilled. 
Due to works coming's in under budget the project was extended this year to enable the installation of another 10 kW on another Woodbine property, expanding the total to 60kW of solar capacity. We thank DEECA for this opportunity to work with them again in expanding regional access to renewable energy and cutting GHG emissions – and to all BREAZE members for enabling us to do this work via your donations and subscriptions. This project will mean Woodbine has more to invest in its great work in Warracknabeal and its environs. Woodbine's Jo Tobias said the energy cost savings will enable more of their clients to participate in the Tri State Games, which is one of their biggest extra-curricular activities, and an extremely popular one. Another win win for the community and the environment.