Ausgrid has helped upgrade the centre into a Community Resilience Hub, providing peninsula residents with a place to stay connected and powered during natural disasters and power outages.
The project is the result of a two-year partnership between Port Stephens Council, Ausgrid and the Port Stephens Community Resilience Network.
The centre features solar panels, a battery back-up system, a generator-ready changeover switch, Starlink satellite internet and an emergency messaging screen. The new system is fully automated to disconnect from the grid during outages, with stored solar energy helping to keep the Hub powered.
Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said the upgraded Resilience Hub will offer a much-needed safe haven for Mallabula residents in times of emergency.
“Mallabula’s geographical location means it’s particularly exposed during severe weather events. Last year the peninsula was severely impacted by flooding, which saw road access cut and extensive power outages, effectively isolating the community,” Mayor Anderson said.
“This partnership with Ausgrid represents an important investment in the resilience of our community. When extreme weather causes power outages and disrupts connectivity, and access in and out of the Tilligerry peninsula, the hub will provide a practical resource for residents during emergencies, foster connectivity and resilience for our locals, while helping us better prepare for future severe weather events,” Mayor Anderson added.
Ausgrid Group Executive – Network & Digital, Junayd Hollis, said the project demonstrates how local partnerships can strengthen community preparedness.
“Building resilience is a shared responsibility, and partnerships like this are critical to ensuring communities are better prepared for the impacts of extreme weather,” Mr Hollis said.
“By bringing together local knowledge, community leadership and targeted resilience investments, we’ve helped create a resource that will support the Tilligerry community when it is needed most.
“We’re proud to partner with Port Stephens Council, the Community Resilience Network and local residents on an initiative that responds directly to community needs. Projects like this help strengthen preparedness, improve access to information during emergencies and support more resilient communities into the future,” Mr Hollis said.
Drawing on their extensive expertise and lived experiences, the Community Resilience Network identified crucial requirements for the Hub to ensure it appropriately met the needs of the community during times of emergency.
Outside of times of emergency, the Mallabula Community Centre is a much cherished community centre where meetings, classes, sport activities and events are held throughout the year.
