Gippslanders came out in strength to support Gippsland New Energy!
For the fifth-year running, the Gippsland New Energy Conference brought nearly 1000 people together in Traralgon to shine a light on Gippsland’s critical role in Australia’s energy future.
The success of GNEC 2026 is that it creates the opportunity to connect with locals, industry, businesses, students and community members, to talk about the opportunities offshore wind can create in the region.
Here’s a few of our highlights:
- Hearing a strong and united message about the importance of regional benefits – and the certainty needed to keep Gippsland’s new energy transition moving forward.
- Seeing just how far Gippsland has come since the first GNEC in 2022 – with new energy projects that were once plans on paper now under construction or operating across the region.
- The young cohort of students attending the GNEC Academy exploring the many pathways into offshore wind and the broader energy sector.
- Voices of the Future, Young Gippslanders Shaping the Energy Transition – This inspiring session gave young people the opportunity to share their perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and aspirations they see for Gippsland as the region undergoes one of the most significant economic and social transitions in its history.
- The Star of the South Community and Education Ticket Sponsorship that enabled just under 100 community members to attend including 48 tertiary students studying subjects in the renewable energy sector.
- The launch of “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” Gippsland Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation Energy Strategy
- The amazing food provided by Social Quater|GPAC and the young enthusiastic staff
- The conversations continued at the ACOWE Technical Symposium at Federation University’s Churchill Campus – with a focus on offshore wind on Thursday 20th August 2026.
Thanks to everyone who attended to helped make GNEC 2026 such a success – with a special shout-out to the incredible GNEC Working Group that assists GCCN in organising the conference. Also, a vote of thanks to the passionate team of volunteers and once again our very generous sponsors and speakers.
