At Sustainable Upper Ovens, we believe in the power of community to create a more sustainable future. Formed in 2018 by a group of concerned individuals, our organisation was born from a shared desire to address environmental challenges and seize opportunities within our beautiful Upper Ovens Valley. This region, encompassing areas from Ovens through Porepunkah and Bright to Harrietville, including the Buckland and Wandiligong Valleys, faces critical issues like over-consumption, needless waste, unsustainable energy practices, and declining environmental health. We recognised that these problems deeply impact both our community and its surrounding natural environment.
Our vision is clear: to foster a more sustainable and connected community environment for everyone.
Our Mission:
“To empower and connect residents and businesses in our community to develop low-impact lifestyles. We strive to inspire actions that are regenerative, restorative, low carbon, and truly sustainable.”
How We Work
SUO focuses on helping householders and small businesses adopt improved energy efficiency measures, switch to renewable energy sources, and maximise opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle our resources. We believe that by working together, we can achieve significant positive change.
We’re also strong believers in collaboration. We’re proud to be networked with other passionate community groups in the region, including Totally Renewable Yackandandah, Towards Renewable Energy Kiewa Valley, Renewable Albury Wodonga Energy, and the Upper Ovens Valley Landcare Group. We have been active participants in the regional Community Energy Network (CEN) and in the Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE) at the national level. Our representation with the Alpine Shire Council, Hume Community Power Hub, Indigo Power and Electrify Hume further strengthens our collective impact.
Our Guiding Principles
Every project and outcome we pursue at SUO is built upon a set of core promises:
- Inclusive: Anyone who wants to participate can.
- Just: We strive to leave no one behind.
- Holistic: We assess all costs and benefits comprehensively.
- Restorative and Regenerative: Our aim is to heal and renew.
- Accessible: We ensure our initiatives are available to all who wish to engage.
- Valuable: Our work consistently provides benefit to the community.
- Empowering: We help people make meaningful change in their lives.
- Collaborative: We work constructively with other groups, associations, and agencies.
Most importantly, Sustainable Upper Ovens is dedicated to delivering positive outcomes that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs – the essential definition of sustainable development.