Powering the region, together

The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project is a once-in-a-generation undertaking and ACEREZ is committed to working hand-in-hand with the community as we deliver this vital electricity infrastructure for NSW.

At the heart of ACEREZ’s work in the region is building the transmission network in a way that respects local values, supports regional jobs and leaves a positive legacy for years to come.
This year, ACEREZ will build on this commitment with the launch of a multi-million dollar Community Grants Program and a Community Information Van, designed to deliver accessible, face-to-face engagement to towns across the REZ.

Community Grants Program
The ACEREZ Community Grants Program has officially launched and up to $4 million in grants will be available across two rounds this year.

Designed to create positive outcomes well beyond the transmission project, the program will run for five rounds across three years until 2028, offering an ongoing pipeline of opportunities for community-led ideas and initiatives.

Priority areas are:
A community-led advisory group will review grant applications to ensure local voices are part of the decision-making process.

The ACEREZ program complements funding already being delivered by EnergyCo under their Community and Employment Benefit Program, giving the region access to multiple funding streams.

You can find all you need to know about the program on ACEREZ’s website: acerez.com.au/community.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION HUB
You may have already walked past ACEREZ’s Community Information Centre at 30-32 Church Street in the heart of Mudgee.

It’s a one-stop shop of information on the transmission project with photos, video, maps and the latest on construction progress.

The team is on hand to welcome you in for a cuppa and a chat from Tuesday-Thursday each week.
While that may not be convenient for everyone, ACEREZ has just launched an innovative community information van that has the same resources as you’ll find at the Church Street hub, but will travel around the region, taking information direct to the community’s doorstep.

With solar panels on its roof to power the van’s technology, it features a unique Aboriginal artwork by Nathan Peckham titled Ngawaal or Power in Wiradjuri. Look out for the van at the Mudgee Show.
The team at the Community Information Centre will also continue to support local initiatives in 2026. It follows a successful Pink Up Mudgee campaign in October last year, sponsorship of the Mid-West Charity Ambrose to support Lifeline Central West’s Mudgee Hub and the Christmas tree appeal. All donations from the appeal were distributed to St Vincent de Paul and Barnardos.

IT ALL STEMS FROM SCHOOL
ACEREZ’s school education program is back again this year with interactive live theatre performances featuring the likes of Taylor Switch, James Blonde and John Travoltage.

With specially curated programs for primary and high school, senior students get a taste of potential career paths in the renewable energy sector while younger students learn how electricity is made while cracking energy mysteries and outsmarting power-wasting villains.

Students at Cudgegong Valley Public School in Mudgee were among those that participated in the free STEM program last year with more schools in the region scheduled to take part in the coming terms.

Read more about the program at rezourceforce.com.au

KEY DATES
6 March - Business Mudgee’s International Women’s Day lunch supported by ACEREZ
7 March - Mudgee Show
8 May - 2026 ACEN Australia Mid-West Charity Ambrose to support Lifeline Central West’s Mudgee Hub supported by ACEREZ
22-24 May - Dubbo Show