Seminar series Program
We’re bringing together an amazing selection of owners corporation committee members and experts to tell their stories, share knowledge and answer your questions. In response to feedback from the 2024 Expo, this year we’ve programmed more time for your questions.
You don’t need to book for the Seminar Sessions, seats will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
Sessions 1 & 2: 10:30 -11:30 aM
James St solar installation
Session 1: Condell Room
Solar upgrades: from idea to implementation
Selecting the right technology is just one part of installing solar on your apartment building. Governance, communication, funding and tech all need to line up. Hear how it's done, with presentations by experts and owners corporations who've successfully installed solar systems of their own.
Understand if your building is eligible for Solar Victoria’s Solar for Apartment rebates.
Speakers:
Host: Zoe McMaster, Behaviour Change expert and OC committee member
Committee members Natalie Melville and Mark Burford will be joined by Helen O'Grady from Select Strata Communities will share insights from their successful solar installation
Ash Sayers, Director, Keystone Strata Group
Laura Learmonth, Senior Program Officer, Solar Victoria
Session 2: Hoddle Room
City of Melbourne’s Apartment Offerings
Live in the City of Melbourne? Learn about the City's programs and services for apartment owners and OCs — resilience, greening, energy, waste — direct from council staff. Find out what's available and who to talk to.
Speakers:
Host: Liam Henderson, Manager Zero Carbon Community
Darcy Pimblett, Energy Innovation Lead: Energy services for apartments
Lachlan Curtin-Corr, Project Manager Circular Economy: FOGO roll-out for apartments
Melissa Height, Gardens for Wildlife Coordinator: Balcony gardening and Gardens for Wildlife
Elissa McMillian, City Resilience Lead: Preparedness for extreme weather and disasters
Ash Lee, Southbank Neighbourhood Partner: Chat in the Foyer program
Sessions 3 & 4: 12:30 -1:30 PM
Session 3: Condell Room
The transition to all-electric
For most apartment buildings, upgrading to all-electric isn't a switch, it's a staged transition. Hear from experts, installers and owners corporations on how to plan for electrification: where to start, sequencing, common challenges, governance and real-world examples.
Speakers:
Host: Rachael Wilkinson, Senior Advisor, Energy Efficiency Council and OC committee member
Trent Jones, Founder and Managing Director, All Electric Homes
Luke Barry, Senior Building Sustainability Consultant, GHD
Dr Janette Corcoran (PhD), OCN Board Director & Social Economist
Dr Pippa Soccio preparing for the CSIRO Apartment Energy Behaviour Study
Session 4: Hoddle Room
Your apartment, your health
There's a link between energy use and wellbeing. Too hot, too cold, damp or poorly ventilated homes can affect respiratory health, cognition and general wellbeing. Get an update on the latest research, then find out what you can do in your own apartment, from low-cost DIY fixes to larger professional upgrades.
Speakers:
Host: Sophie Hutchinson, Director, Rewild
Dr Pippa Soccio, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO
Maurice Beinat, Technical Director, ecoMaster
Sessions 5 & 6: 2:30 -3:30 PM
Session 5: Condell Room
EV charging: options, challenges & process
Find out more about the new EV-ready guide for owners corporations and hear real-world accounts of charging upgrades already underway. Understand your options — from trickle to fast charging — how to match technology to your building's needs and budget, and the governance process to get a project approved.
You will get the most out of this session if you read the guide first and come prepared with questions.
Speakers:
Host: Bruce Thompson, Executive Director, Thompillai & Advisory Panel Member, ARENA
David Hamilton, Principal, EqualCharge
Julie McLean, Strata Community Association Vic Honorary Fellow, Strata Advocate and Trainer
Supplier Showcase stallholders: Combined Energy and Ready Steady Plug
Session 6: Hoddle Room
Cracking the code on apartment waste
Waste and recycling in apartment buildings can be tricky. Whether you're new to this topic or are actively making improvements in your building, this session is for you. Find out about current policy, programs, and what's on the horizon. See what best practice looks like in real buildings, then learn about the conversations you can have with your building manager or owners corporation to drive improvements.
Speakers:
Host: Paul Whelan, Zero Carbon Operations Lead, City of Melbourne
Ben McMenamin, Senior Zero Waste Engagement Officer, City of Melbourne
Annaliese Lawry, General Manager, Reground
Brought to you by
Thank you to our Sponsors and Council Partners
Merri-bek City Council
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City of Yarra
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City of Kingston
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City of Boroondara
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City of Stonnington
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Maribyrnong City Council
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Moonee Valley City Council
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Merri-bek City Council 〰️ City of Yarra 〰️ City of Kingston 〰️ City of Boroondara 〰️ City of Stonnington 〰️ Maribyrnong City Council 〰️ Moonee Valley City Council 〰️