Ku-ring-gai Community and Business Energy Summit

The Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with EnergyZE North Shore Inc, are pleased to invite you to attend the upcoming:

Community and Business Energy Summit
Clean Energy, Stronger Community, Thriving Business

Wednesday 8 April
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Greengate Hotel, Cnr Pacific Hwy & Greengate Rd, Killara

This important event is proudly sponsored by Ku-ring-gai Council through its Environmental Levy Net Zero Grant

Why Attend?

• Climate change and energy transition are no longer distant policy discussions — they are shaping local businesses, households, investment decisions and community resilience right now.

This Summit will bring together business leaders, policymakers and sustainability experts to explore:

· The economic and risk implications of the energy transition

· Practical steps businesses can take to strengthen resilience

· Community-level strategies to support net zero ambitions

· How local leadership can drive meaningful, achievable change

Whether you are a business owner, professional adviser, community leader or engaged resident, this session will provide practical insight and forward-looking perspectives.

Keynote Presentation

Energy Strategy for a Changing Economy – risk management, transition readiness and leadership foresight, presented by Dr Cathy Foley

Dr Foley will explore how businesses and communities can prepare for the emerging energy landscape and manage both opportunity and risk in a rapidly shifting economy

Other speakers

Following Dr Foley's presentation, hear from the following speakers:

• Jenny Merkley, Acting Deputy Secretary, Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, NSW Government
• Peter Vun, Program Lead, Energy Management and Net Zero Strategy, Ku-ring-gai Council

  
  

Panel Discussion

Powering Tomorrow Together – The Local Path to a Clean Energy Future

Moderator – Hon Nicolette Boele MP

Panelists:

• Dr Kate Wilson, Climate, Biodiversity and Sustainability Advisor
• Tim Buckley, Director, Climate Energy Finance
• Rod Sharples, Member, Electrifying Bradfield and Energy ZE North Shore
  

Evening Program

6:00pm – Meet and greet

6:40pm – Welcome and introductions – Adrienne McLean and Sarah Winn

7:00pm – Keynote presentation – Dr Cathy Foley

7:30pm – Presentations from Jenny Merkley and Peter Vun

7:30pm – Panel session – Nicolette Boele MP, Dr Kate Wilson,Tim Buckley and Rod Sharples

8:00pm – Audience Q&A

8:40pm – Conclusion and networking

9:00pm – Close

Registration

Registration is free, however online registration is essential

Places are limited and strong interest is anticipated. Secure your attendance early and share this invitation with colleagues and community members who would benefit from the discussion.

About the speakers

Adrienne McLean is President of the Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce and a passionate advocate for local business growth and community collaboration. She works closely with business leaders, council and community organisations to strengthen economic resilience, foster innovation, and support sustainable development across the Ku-ring-gai region.

Sarah Winn is Chair of EnergyZE North Shore Inc and a dedicated advocate for practical climate action at the community level. She works to connect households, businesses and local leaders with trusted information and initiatives that accelerate the transition to clean energy and support a more sustainable future.

Dr Cathy Foley served as Australia’s Chief Scientist (2021–2024) and previously held senior leadership roles at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). A physicist specialising in superconductivity, she champions translating science into practical outcomes, particularly in clean energy, innovation, and national resilience.

Jenny Merkley is Acting Deputy Secretary at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, where she oversees key policy and program delivery across climate, energy and environmental portfolios. She brings extensive public-sector leadership experience in driving sustainable outcomes and government reform.

Peter Vun Program Lead, Energy & Net Zero Strategy, Ku-ring-gai Council leading Ku-ring-gai Council’s energy and net zero initiatives. He oversees programs focused on emissions reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy and implementation of the Towards Zero Emissions 2030 Action Plan.

Nicolette Boele is the Federal MP for Bradfield with a background in finance and renewable energy. She has held executive roles with the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, the Investor Group on Climate Change, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

Dr Kate Wilson is an independent climate and sustainability advisor. Former Executive Director of Climate Change and Sustainability for NSW Government, she led delivery of the NSW Net Zero Plan 2020–2030 and secured over $1 billion for emissions reduction initiatives.

Tim Buckley is a leading energy finance analyst with over 30 years’ global market experience. Founder of Climate Energy Finance, he has authored 100+ reports on decarbonisation and previously held senior equity research roles at Deutsche Bank and Citigroup.

Rod Sharples is a member of Electrifying Bradfield and EnergyZE North Shore. Rod is a local resident and business owner who is a community advocate for the transition away from fossil fuels. With the support of Ku-ring-gai Council, Rod has co-presented a series of free talks to over 300 local residents to try to help them on their electrification journey.