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Buffalo SPS Awarded $49,400 AusNet Community Energy Resilience Grant to Deliver Emergency Power Trailer for the Dandenong Ranges

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY ACTION

Dandenong Ranges, VIC - 12 May 2025 - Buffalo Stand-Alone Power Solutions (Buffalo SPS), in partnership with the Monbulk and District Community Opportunities Workgroup (MADCOW), has been awarded $49,400 under AusNet’s Community Energy Resilience Grants Program. The funding will support the development of a new hybrid power trailer designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and provide clean, reliable power for community events.

AusNet’s Community Energy Resilience Grants support local organisations to build resilience, reduce the impact of power disruptions, and increase community access to safe, dependable energy solutions. This year’s grants focus on projects that help manage extreme weather, grid outages, and changing energy needs across regional Victoria.

A NEW ASSET FOR COMMUNITY RESILIENCE 

The funded Power Trailer will be a towable, hybrid diesel and battery/inverter system capable of providing essential power during outages, storms, bushfire-related disruptions, or planned community support operations. It will also be available for local events, resilience training, and emergency response exercises.

For communities in the Dandenong Ranges, where storms, challenging terrain and vulnerable power infrastructure are regular concerns, this trailer provides a modern, flexible, and safer alternative to ageing portable generators.

The project combines Buffalo SPS’s technical expertise in resilient energy systems with MADCOW’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the wellbeing and preparedness of local residents.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with MADCOG and deeply grateful for AusNet’s support. The Dandenong Ranges knows better than most how disruptive and dangerous extended outages can be. This power trailer means we can deliver clean, safe, dependable energy right where it’s needed — whether that’s at a relief centre, a community hub, or a local event. It’s a practical step toward building real energy resilience for our hills community.”
- Robin Oakley, CEO, Buffalo Stand-Alone Power Solutions

ABOUT THE DEPLOYABLE POWER TRAILER

The project will deliver a fully equipped, community-deployable energy unit featuring:

  • A robust battery and inverter system for silent, emissions-free power

  • A hybrid diesel backup to extend runtime during major events or emergencies

  • Towable design for rapid deployment

  • Ability to support communications equipment, lighting, refrigeration, device charging, medical equipment, and temporary site power

The trailer will be managed collaboratively by MADCOW and key community volunteers, with Buffalo SPS providing technical oversight, servicing support, and community training.

ABOUT BUFFALO SPS

Buffalo Stand-Alone Power Solutions is an Australian energy company specialising in off-grid power, solar and battery systems, deployable energy solutions, and community energy resilience projects. Based in the Dandenong Ranges, Buffalo SPS helps households, businesses and communities build cleaner, more reliable and more resilient energy systems tailored to Australian conditions.

ABOUT MADCOW

The Monbulk and District Community Opportunities Workgroup is a long-running community organisation focused on improving local wellbeing, resilience, emergency readiness, and support networks across the Dandenong Ranges. MADCOW coordinates volunteers, resources, and projects aimed at strengthening community capability in times of need.

ABOUT AUSNET'S COMMUNITY ENERGY RESILIENCE GRANTS

AusNet’s grants program invests in localised projects that improve community resilience, reduce outage impacts, and support safe access to temporary or alternative energy. The program focuses on communities in high-risk or high-impact regions, particularly those affected by storms, bushfires and extreme weather.

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