Energy4Seniors Champions Leading Change Across Queensland
Across Queensland, a dedicated group of volunteers helped older people take control of their energy use -one conversation at a time. These are Council on the Ageing Queensland’s Energy4Seniors Champions: community leaders, peer educators and passionate advocates who are empowering seniors with practical knowledge to stay comfortable, confident and informed about their household energy decisions.
Who Are the Volunteer Energy4Seniors Champions?
Energy4Seniors Energy Champions are older Queenslanders and community members who believe in the power of shared experience. They bring lived understanding of the challenges many seniors face – rising energy costs, confusing bills, and the complexity of new technologies like smart meters, solar, and energy-efficient appliances.
By delivering local workshops, informal chats, and connecting people to trusted resources, Champions help demystify energy use and give seniors the tools they need to make informed, cost-saving choices.
Why Their Work Matters
Many older people are dealing with significant cost-of-living pressures, and electricity bills can be a major stress point. Energy4Seniors, delivered by Council on the Ageing Queensland in partnership with The Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages Inc. (ARQRV), provides clear, practical information on how to understand bills, reduce energy consumption, recognise concessions, and seek support when needed.
But it’s the Champions who make the program truly impactful. Their peer-to-peer approach builds confidence, supports learning, and ensures seniors feel heard and respected. Participants often say the most valuable part of a session is the chance to ask real questions, share experiences, and learn from someone like them.
Champion Spotlight: Making a Difference in Their Community
Our Champions are creating change in retirement villages, neighbourhood centres, Men’s Sheds, libraries, multicultural groups, and senior social clubs. They are helping older people:
- Understand and compare electricity bills.
- Identify easy energy-saving actions.
- Learn how to use appliances more efficiently.
- Navigate concessions and rebates.
- Â Build confidence to ask questions and seek help.
Their commitment ensures that seniors – no matter where they live or what their circumstances – can access reliable energy information delivered in a friendly, approachable way.
Energy4Seniors has now concluded, but the impact of our Energy Champions continues across communities throughout Queensland.