Sanctuary powers up to prepare for power outages

Calga’s Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary will have extra backup in case of a power outage thanks to a $15,000 Grant for Good from Ausgrid.

The grants program is designed to help support the initiatives of Ausgrid communities.

Walkabout Founder and General Manager Tassin Barnard, said the grant would be used to buy a battery to store power from an existing solar installation to provide continuity in the event of a power outage.

This would have two major benefits, she said.

“Firstly for the planet, because a greater proportion of our energy usage will come from solar,” she said.

“The second benefit is for the animals in our sanctuary, because our fox-proof fence will keep operating when there’s a power outage.

“We are hugely appreciative of Ausgrid helping us to buy a battery to store the surplus energy our solar panels are generating.”

The sanctuary is an integral part of the Central Coast community and is now set to become an even safer place for its furry friends.

Ausgrid’s Group Executive, Market Development & Strategy, Tim Jarratt, said he was pleased to see an environment and community-minded organisation benefit from the Grants for Good program.

“The shift towards electrification is powered by innovative technologies and a growing awareness that electrification can reduce greenhouse emissions,” he said.

“This is an example of a foundation with the environment at its core taking steps to do their bit in shifting to a greener future.

“We are proud to support the Walkabout Wildlife Foundation to protect the environment on the Central Coast, where so many of our workforce work and live.”

The Walkabout Wildlife Foundation is one of 22 local charities, volunteer groups, sports teams and organisations to have been awarded one of Ausgrid’s Grants for Good.

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary gives a forever home to rescued wildlife needing lifetime care and participates in breed-for-release rewilding programs for endangered Australian wildlife.