Wollongong residents feature on film with Neighbours star

Two Wollongong residents, retired coal engineer Darryl Best and mum-of-two Ali Gerritsen have featured on camera in the ‘Good Neighbours’ series next to star Ryan Moloney (aka ‘Toadie’ from cult classic ‘Neighbours’).

The series explores Australia’s shift to renewable energy and the regional communities at the centre of the shift. Darryl and Ali join farmers, parents, community leaders and former councillors to deliver frank and optimistic perspectives that highlight what regional Australia stands to gain.

Following the declaration of the Illawarra offshore wind zone in June 2024, Darryl and Ali provide two different perspectives in the episode about how an offshore wind industry might work in Wollongong.

After a lifetime working in the mines, Darryl said he wanted to see new industries established in the Illawarra region.

“It was a really great industry to work in,” he said.

“I don’t regret that I worked in it, but I do regret the effect it’s had on the climate. I can see the need to move away from fossil fuels, but in a way where there are new industries and jobs for people to transition into.”

Submissions to the Australian Senate’s Select Committee Inquiry on Energy Planning and Regulation closed on 18 October and the stories in the film series formed a joint submission by RE-Alliance, Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables.

‘Good Neighbours’ can be watched for free at www.thenewjoneses.com

RE-Alliance national director Andrew Bray said the series highlighted the importance of local support for renewable energy industries.

The debate about offshore wind in Wollongong has been heated and divisive.

Ali said it was time for those on the sidelines to learn more.

“For people who weren’t so sure about an offshore wind industry for Wollongong previously – now is the time to get involved in the conversation and think about how the community can benefit,” she said.

“We can’t be using coal and gas anymore – it’s got us this far and now we need a better option. I know that offshore wind is the key to a better future for my kids.”

One solution being called for is for the Federal Government to fund local energy hubs for regional communities in the upcoming Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

The hubs would form a network of 50 outreach centres staffed by trusted locals to answer questions about transmission and renewable energy projects while helping households, businesses and farms get more value out of going electric.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen was in the Illawarra this month to announce a boost for Electrify 2515.

He said tenders for the offshore wind farm zone off the Illawarra were still under consideration and he expected to be back soon to make an announcement about the successful bid.

Mr Bowen announced at a Newcastle press conference in June that Oceanex would withdraw its bids for the area. Equinor has also withdrawn its bid. But he said there were still a number of applicants being assessed as part of the tender process.

“I will make my decision when I’m satisfied about who to proceed with in the Illawarra,” he said.

“It’s not appropriate to make comment about the applicants while we are in the tender process but I will be back in the Illawarra soon to make an announcement.

“This is very important for the Illawarra’s energy future and Australia’s energy future.”