Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia

👣 What if the Country around us holds stories we’re still learning to see?

As Reconciliation Week comes to a close, we’re reflecting on some powerful moments from across DEM.

We were honoured to host Senior Aboriginal man ‘Uncle Mickey’ O’Brien, a descendant of the Kaurna and Narrunga peoples. His message was clear — reconciliation is a shared journey, bringing First Nations peoples and all Australians together to reflect on our history and move forward with greater understanding.

He reminded us that ‘through time and history, Aboriginal people lost place, not holding a position of power’ — a powerful reflection on the importance of awareness and social consciousness.

Through stories, maps and deep cultural knowledge, Uncle Mickey challenged us to see Country differently, reminding us that ‘we come to know places, not name them’. He revealed a kangaroo embedded in the South Australian landscape, and an emu reflected in the streets of Port Adelaide. Both were major talking points with staff even after his visit concluded, strengthening our connection to Country and reflecting how Indigenous culture was built on observation, listening and doing. Many First Nations icons and leaders used these steps to empower their communities and drive change, such as Monica Lock, Cathy Freeman, David Unaipon and more.

Uncle Mickey encouraged us to be active participants in reconciliation, building knowledge, supporting change in our workplaces, and advocating in meaningful ways at an individual level.

Alongside this, our staff took part in the Reconciliation Australia Morning Tea, contributing to the Tjindu Foundation (👉 https://tjindufoundation.org.au) and its work supporting Aboriginal youth across leadership, education, health and employment, directly supporting Aboriginal communities.

Reconciliation Week may end, but the responsibility continues. It’s up to all of us to go 'All In’ (👉 https://www.reconciliation.org.au/all-in-for-national-reconciliation-week-2026/) and keep building respect, strengthening relationships, and walking forward together.

⚫ 🟡 🔴

South Australia is accelerating its energy future, with six major battery projects selected by ASL, the independent scheme administrator, under the state's Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism (FERM).

 These successful projects will more than double the state’s large-scale battery storage capacity — strengthening reliability and supporting an estimated $2.2 billion in new investment.

✅ Brinkworth BESS – Akaysha Energy
✅ Dartmoor BESS – ZEBRE Pty Ltd
✅ Goyder Battery Stage 1 – Neoen Australia
✅ Goyder Battery Stage 2 – Neoen Australia
✅ Northern Battery – AMPYR Australia
✅ Tungkillo BESS – Iberdrola Australia

Together, these projects will deliver 517 MW / 4,136 MWh of dispatchable energy enough to help power more than 300,000 average homes for up to eight hours!

This is about reliability where it matters most — ensuring South Australia has the firm capacity needed during peak demand and extreme conditions, while continuing to lead the global energy transition.

👉 For more information, see: https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/home/news/latest/new-energy-projects-to-underpin-south-australias-capacity

Automotive dealerships, service centres and EV repairers — this one’s for you 🚗 ⚡

The Australian Government is seeking businesses in these sectors interested in hosting public electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers as part of a national rollout.

Through the DRIVEN program, $20 million is available to support new public fast charging stations at eligible sites – helping expand the network and support Australia’s transition to electric vehicles.

Registering your interest is free, with no obligation, and connects you with charging providers to explore opportunities for your site.

👉 https://lnkd.in/gfFhU-fE

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Today marks the commencement of National Reconciliation Week – an opportunity to reflect on Australia's history and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The week runs from 27 May – 3 June annually, bookended by the anniversaries of two significant historical events.

Today, 27 May, marks the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. On this day 59 years ago, 90 percent of Australians voted 'Yes' to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the national census, allowing the Australian Government to include First Nations peoples in laws. The overwhelming majority vote is still the most successful referendum ever passed in Australia.

In 1992, the Mabo Decision followed on 3 June. The High Court of Australia recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have traditional rights to land and rejected 'terra nullius' - the exclusionary belief that Australia was 'empty land' before British colonisation.

With these anniversaries in mind, National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to reflect on Australia's history and the treatment of First Nations peoples, to celebrate progress, and to consider the responsibility each individual and organisation has in continuing reconciliation.

DEM is committed to supporting First Nations people and communities through opportunities to have their voices heard and to share their ideas.

Throughout National Reconciliation Week, DEM will embrace this year’s ‘All in’ theme by participating in events to spread awareness and inspire our staff, including the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast. We are also committed to promoting reconciliation through ongoing learning, meaningful engagement and practical action across the department.

👉 Check out the National Reconciliation Week 2026 calendar to see how you can get involved in South Australia: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/calendar/list/

👉 Also see our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to understand the ways DEM is continuing to uplift, support and respect our First Nations counterparts and within the wider community: https://energymining.sa.gov.au/about/diversity-and-inclusion

🖤💛❤️ 💚🤍💙

💡 Did you know the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) has a FREE Energy Advisory Service?

The Energy Advisory Service provides independent advice to help South Australians better understand and manage their energy use. Whether you need help understanding your energy bill, exploring solar and battery options, improving your home’s energy efficiency, or finding available rebates and concessions — their expert team is here to help.

They can assist with:
⚡ Understanding electricity and gas bills
☀️ Solar and battery information
💰 Energy rebates, concessions and retailer offers
🏡 Energy efficient homes and appliances
❄️ Heating and cooling tips
📉 Reducing energy use and saving money

If you’re looking for practical ways to lower your energy costs and make informed energy decisions, the Energy Advisory Service is a great place to start.

Learn more here: www.energyadvice.sa.gov.au

SA Climate Leaders Awards 2026 🌱

Are you leading, or know someone who is leading, a successful project to tackle the challenges of our changing climate?

Nominations are now open for the 2026 SA Climate Leaders Awards, celebrating leadership and innovation in practical climate action such as helping communities adapt, cutting emissions or adapting to climate changes.

The overall award recipient will win $10,000 as a contribution to future climate action.

Businesses, community groups, researchers, teachers, individuals and government teams across South Australia who are making a real difference - from large-scale initiatives to local grassroots efforts - are encouraged to nominate.

To apply, visit https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/climate-change/premiers-climate-change-council/2026-sa-climate-leaders-awards

Winners will be announced at a free event on Thursday 30 July.

Environment SA News

5-yearly review Otway Basin - public feedback sought

In South Australia, environmental approvals for petroleum licences must be reviewed every five years to ensure operators continue to meet strict regulatory requirements. This work complements the Department for Energy and Mining’s ongoing compliance, monitoring and inspection activities.

We are seeking community feedback on updated environmental documents submitted by Beach Energy, as part of a five-yearly review of its tenure in the Otway
Basin in south-east South Australia.

Consultation closes 29 May 2026

https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/industry/energy-resources/regulation/public-consultation/petroleum-exploration-otway-basin-south-australia

⚡🔋 PORT PIRIE - LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS WITH EMPOWERING SA 🔋⚡

For SA Housing Trust tenants – you can find out more on:
Thursday 30 April, 3-7pm
Port Pirie Sports Precinct
50 Mary Elie St, Port Pirie

emPoweringSA, a South Australian Government program, supports Housing Trust households to lower their electricity bills by using stored energy to provide electricity bill relief.

You’re invited to come down and learn more about how the program can help eligible households save up to $575 a year on their bill, ask questions, and sign up. We're also putting on a free sausage sizzle while food lasts!

ENERGY AND MINING CONTINUES TO PROVIDE LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES 👷‍♂️🔧🚧🦺

RESA – Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance has released their latest South Australian Mining and Energy Hiring Intentions report, which shows a continued trend of strong job prospects in the sector.

According to the latest report, hiring activity in South Australia reached its highest level in over two years during Q3 2025-26, with 805 jobs advertised across 208 companies!

Occupations in demand vary across a multitude of skill sets, including mechanical fitters, electricians, welders and more.

To view the report, visit https://bit.ly/4mtewzf

We hope you had a wonderful long weekend. 🥚🐇🐣

Safe to say, this might be our most colourful core display yet!

This Easter, our South Australia Drill Core Library got a surprise visitor! The Bunny couldn’t resist hiding some eggs among our drill cores.

Looks like exploration skills come in handy above ground too! 😉