Winchelsea kicking goals with Ablett Jr

Last night saw the Eastern Reserve in Winchelsea filled with fun Auskick activities for 6-8-year-olds to enjoy, alongside football legend Gary Ablett Jr, with support from RACV.

There were two sessions from 5-6pm where local kids got to have a meet and greet with Ablett Jr and practice their skills as part of the Auskick program.  

RACV also sponsored Winchelsea Football Club’s weekly ‘Bus to the Hub’ dinner, which provides a meal to residents in Winchelsea who need it and a bus to and from the dinner, for attendees without transport. 

RACV put on a special event with the club to further support locals after installing a solar panel and battery system onsite - at no cost to the community - as part of RACV’s $1 million Solar in the Regions investment program. 

The program aims to improve safety for regional towns by adapting community buildings, giving them a reliable solar power supply when the grid goes down, and can play a role in recovering after weather events and bushfires.

Cr Adrian Schonfelder the Winchelsea Ward Councillor for Surf Coast Shire Council said it is great to see another RACV Solar installation in the Shire. 

"It is excellent to see RACV further support the Winchelsea community by sponsoring the football club's dinner and getting Ablett Jr down for the evening. 

“The club prepares around 200 meals each week, and Football Club volunteers entirely cook it, and other volunteers from the local Lions Club drive the bus service. It is a huge community effort, and many people benefit from the meal and the local connection,” he said. 

Gary Ablett Jr said that he is incredibly proud to work with RACV Solar and become an ambassador for the company after having a great experience installing solar power and a battery on his and his mum’s house, both in Torquay.  

“I would encourage anyone thinking of installing solar and batteries to consider your options. Having access to your essential power sources during an emergency or when the grid goes down is a game-changer. Not to mention the money we’re saving on our bills and the knowledge we’re helping the environment. 

“It is especially fantastic to be in Winchelsea and see the young talent in the area and for the club to encourage the kids to get together each week to practice, but also put on a meal for those who need it.”

The solar installation at Eastern Reserve Winchelsea includes 14.43 kilowatts of solar and 21.7 kilowatt-hours of battery storage. The system can provide backup power during an emergency or power grid outage.