DEDERANG'S Big Muster Distilling Company is among 28 councils and community groups across Victoria to share in almost $1 million from the second round of AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund.

The company received $19,200 for a changeover switch and battery to support their existing solar PV.

This funding will enable the community to access a commercial kitchen to prepare and cook food, while also providing shelter and a place for people to charge devices during emergency events and outages.

AusNet executive general manager of distribution, Andrew Linnie, said the Energy Resilience Community Fund, which provides Energy Resilience and Education and Literacy Grants, supports projects that will help build long-term community energy resilience and provide support to communities during severe weather events.

“We know how important energy is to our communities’ and customers’ lives,” Mr Linnie said.

"When severe weather or other emergencies happen, this becomes even more important.

“We are actively investing in our network to improve reliability and resilience.

"Through these grants, we’re pleased to contribute further to help build community energy resilience and assist people to stay connected and safe during prolonged outages and emergencies.”

AusNet established the $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund following the storms in February last year, to support projects across AusNet’s electricity distribution network in eastern and north-eastern Victoria and Melbourne’s north and east.

Grants for the next round open on Monday, 26 May 2025.

For further information go to: www.ausnetservices.com.au/.