Episode Details

At its heart, this conversation explores a simple but important idea:

Every region has the right to shape its own pathway through the energy transition.

In the Central-West Orana region of New South Wales - home to Australia’s first declared Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) - communities are navigating large-scale renewable energy development, transmission infrastructure, workforce pressures and major regional change in real time.

In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar speaks with Justine Campbell, CEO of Regional Development Australia Orana, and Brooke Watts, founder of Business with Brooke, about what it takes to genuinely work alongside regional communities during times of significant change.

Drawing on their lived experience across the region, they explore why trust, local leadership and meaningful engagement matter so deeply,  and why regional communities want to help shape the future, not simply have change happen to them.

Together, Wendy, Justine and Brooke unpack:
• Why no region can be treated as “one voice”
• The importance of trust, consistency and genuine relationships
• Why young people need to be part of shaping regional futures
• What communities are really asking for when it comes to legacy benefits
• And what other regions can learn from the Central-West Orana experience

This episode is part of the Regions at the Helm series, supported by The Energy Charter, exploring how regional communities can help shape better outcomes through the energy transition.

If you work in renewable energy, engagement, regional development, government, land access or community leadership, this conversation offers practical insights into how regions can navigate complex change in ways that build trust, strengthen participation and support long-term regional futures.

Produced at ⁠The Podcast Boss⁠ ⁠podcast studio in Brisbane