EnergyFest, a two-day event combining panels, presentations and live entertainment, is being held at Federation Square, Melbourne, from 22–23 October. The inaugural festival aims to make the energy transition an open, accessible conversation—less about formality, more about collaboration.
“EnergyFest seeks to bring the power back to the people and place it properly as a social and cultural movement, rather than the highly politicised movement it has become,” said founder Andy Evans. “We seek to celebrate the innovators and creators – those planning a better world for us.”
On Thursday, New.E co-leads Clare Sykes and HunterNet Co-operative’s Industry Adviser, Boris Novak, will join a panel titled “Preparing Communities for Renewables: Planning, Consultation and Local Opportunities.” They’ll appear alongside Darren McCubbin (Gippsland Climate Change Network), Sarah Stent (Nation Partners), and Leon Filewood (GHD), with Adam Champion from Ampcontrol hosting.
The Hunter’s presence at EnergyFest reflects its growing role in Australia’s clean energy transformation. Once known mainly for mining and heavy industry, the region is now fast becoming a national leader in renewable energy projects, driven by its port, industrial infrastructure, and skilled workforce.
As co-lead of New.E (formerly NewH2), Clare Sykes is working to accelerate new energy projects in the Hunter, connecting research, business and government to make the region a hub for clean technology.
New.E, backed by HunterNet, has been described as the driving force behind the new energy revolution in the Hunter. New.E presents the annual Hunter New Energy Symposium, and facilitates an ongoing knowledge exchange series, with the aim of turning research and regional know-how into practical outcomes that support industry diversification and local jobs.
HunterNet’s Boris Novak, sharing co-lead of New.E, brings industry expertise shaped by decades of work across engineering and energy systems. His participation highlights the importance of preparing both businesses and communities for renewable developments through collaboration and consultation.
