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A Defence-focused, social impact program has been launched to provide veterans with a solar package for their home to help with rising living costs and improve quality of life.
The Vulnerable Veterans Solar Program has been launched by Australian solar company RESINC, in partnership with the charity, This Story Australia.
While the program has only just been launched, it has already provided full solar packages to six veterans as well as a Veteran Community Centre in NSW.
“I strongly encourage businesses, the Australian Defence Force, all local and state councils, prime contractors, and all levels of government to engage with this program when exploring commercial solar and batteries. Their impact truly speaks for itself,” Noraville veteran Scott Wasley said.
When a company in defence industry or Defence itself purchases a commercial solar package through RESINC, they will donate a solar package, including installation and maintenance, to an identified vulnerable veteran.
“We speak to so many veterans that are struggling to make ends meet, particularly if they are living on a pension, so we knew it was time for us to do something to help,” said Bruce Manning, general manager of RESINC’s commercial division.
“Hearing their stories is a moving reminder that they need as much help as we can give them. This program is an active way that we, and all of industry, can provide meaningful support to those that have sacrificed so much for this country.”
The Vulnerable Veterans Program is open now.
The Central Coast Veterans Centre received one of the initial donated solar systems that will generate over $3,000 each year in savings.
“Now we are reducing our power bills and doing the right thing by the environment,” said Ian Collier, president of the Toukley RSL.
“We are also ultimately able to take the savings from electricity and put that back into supporting veterans in our local community.”
RESINC will also donate funds to This Story Australia so they can continue their good work in capturing veteran stories in documentary-style interviews.
This Story Australia chief executive officer Jeff Hughes said the program is a powerful win-win-win initiative.
“The generosity of RESINC in running this program is something you don’t come across often in industry. There really is no downside to getting behind this program,” he said.
“Not only will it help companies in Defence to reduce their costs and meet their ESG targets, but it provides a lasting impact for the veterans receiving the solar packages and allows This Story Australia to help capture more of our country’s history by recording more of our veteran’s stories.”
