Feature News: Empowering Victoria’s Multicultural Homes in the Clean Energy Transition
MELBOURNE, VIC – As Victoria accelerates its shift toward renewable energy, one question remains central for many households: how can every family participate in and benefit from electrification? The answer lies not just in technology, but in accessible information and community-led support. Recognising this, the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) is launching a pioneering new project designed to empower multicultural households to make confident, informed decisions about electrifying their homes.
Titled “Empowering Multicultural Communities at Home,” the initiative directly addresses a critical gap in the clean energy transition: ensuring that language barriers, cultural nuances, and access to trusted information do not leave diverse communities behind.
“Every Victorian deserves the opportunity to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint through home electrification,” a project spokesperson said. “But to do that, people need information that is clear, in their own language, and delivered by those they trust. That’s where this project comes in.”
A Tailored, In-Language Approach
The project will move beyond generic brochures by providing clear, culturally relevant, and in-language information about home electrification and available energy upgrades. This includes everything from understanding efficient electric heating and cooling (reverse-cycle systems) and hot water systems to navigating government rebates and installer qualifications. The goal is to equip people with the knowledge to understand their options and ask the right questions of providers.
“Information is power,” the spokesperson added. “We’re demystifying the process—from what an induction cooktop is really like to use, to how to finance upgrades—so households can make choices that are right for their family and budget.”
Community at the Core
The project’s methodology is deeply community-centric. Key activities will include:
Local Information Sessions & Workshops: Held within community hubs, these sessions will provide practical, hands-on guidance.
Training Community Electrification Leads: ECCV will train and support trusted community members to become local points of knowledge and guidance.
Developing Accessible Multilingual Resources: Creating easy-to-understand guides, checklists, and digital content in multiple languages.
Facilitating Peer-to-Peer Learning: Creating spaces for communities to share experiences, concerns, and successes.
This model ensures information is not only translated but also transcreated—adapted to be meaningful within specific cultural contexts—and delivered through trusted channels.
Navigating the Transition with Confidence
With a focus on practical support, the project aims to do more than just inform; it aims to build confidence. For many families, the upfront cost and complexity of upgrading appliances or installing solar can be daunting. By breaking down the steps, explaining long-term savings, and clarifying available support, the project helps households see a clear pathway forward.
“Our focus is on making sure multicultural communities across Victoria have the information and support they need to navigate this transition with confidence,” the spokesperson emphasised. “This is about equity, ensuring the benefits of a clean energy future—like healthier homes, lower bills, and a safer climate—are shared by all.”
The “Empowering Multicultural Communities at Home” project is set to launch in the coming months, with ECCV beginning outreach to communities across the state. It represents a vital step toward an inclusive and just energy transition for Victoria.
For more information or to express interest in partnering, community organisations are encouraged to contact the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV).
Condolence News: The Passing of Dr. Lata Tesfaye Jule
It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Lata Tesfaye Jule, former President of Dembi Dollo University and a senior advisor to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Dr. Lata passed away in his hotel room at the Hilton Hotel in Virginia, USA, earlier today.
He was in Washington D.C. as part of an official Ethiopian government delegation, having arrived just yesterday. The cause of death is not yet publicly known, pending the results of a hospital examination. His remains are expected to be repatriated to Ethiopia tomorrow, Sunday, through the coordination of the Ethiopian Embassy.
Dr. Lata was also a member of the Ethiopian Parliament. He was widely recognized as a brilliant and accomplished scholar, having earned two doctorate degrees at a young age and playing a pivotal role in the expansion and development of Dembi Dollo University during his presidency.
A colleague who knew him personally from his time in Washington shared these reflections:
“I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Lata closely when he came to Washington D.C. for work. In our time together, I came to understand what a profoundly knowledgeable man he was—a scholar with great dreams. He never stopped learning. He had come to America to pursue his third doctoral degree when his life was tragically cut short in his hotel room, leaving his ambitions unfulfilled. The grief is double when people of such integrity and grand vision are taken from us so soon.”
The news of Dr. Lata’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through communities in Ethiopia and abroad, prompting an outpouring of grief. Many express a deep sense of loss, mourning a dedicated public servant who worked with humility for his community and a man whose character and expertise transformed many lives.
Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved him. May God grant strength and solace to his loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Oromedia 