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Portarlington Football Netball Club set to slash $12,500 off annual power bills through renewable energy, protecting the future of Bellarine's grassroots sport.

Portarlington Football Netball Club set to slash $12,500 off annual power bills through renewable energy, protecting the future of Bellarine's grassroots sport

Footy for Climate

Tuesday 7 July 2026

For immediate release

 

A new full solar and battery installation will be launched this Saturday, 11 July at the Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club to power the local community and protect community sport in the Bellarine region into the future. 

 

The new 47.5kW solar and 50kWh battery system will save $12,500 in annual power bills and result in a 94% annual reduction in energy usage from the grid. This is the third “Power Forward” solar and battery project FFC will be celebrating, and their first in partnership with RESINC. 

 

Since 2020, the AFL has had to provide financial relief to over 595 football clubs impacted by extreme weather events caused by climate change, while rising power bills are adding to the pressures clubs face. 

 

Former AFL player Tom Campbell co-founded Footy for Climate amid the 2020 Black Summer bushfires. Tom will join the local community to celebrate the latest Power Forward installation on Saturday. 

 

“Community football clubs are the heart of Australian sport. They’re where the game we love thrives. But climate change and rising energy bills are putting pressure on local clubs across the country. 

 

“Through Power Forward, we're creating a network of climate-resilient clubs that are financially better off through huge power bill savings and better able to keep their doors open and power their communities in times of extreme weather. Clubs with clean energy infrastructure will be in a better position to serve as useful community pillars during future extreme weather events. 

 

“The Power Forward program shows other clubs that clean energy isn't complicated - it's a practical investment in their future.” 

 

With Power Forward, Footy for Climate aims to roll out battery and solar installations at 500 clubs around Australia by 2030. This would mean $5 million in annual energy savings for Aussie sports clubs and cut climate pollution by 15,000 tonnes yearly. 

 

Portarlington Football Netball Club President Adam Kiss says powering the club through renewable energy means the club can remain a hub for the community well into the future. 

 

“Our community and our club are expanding fast, with more and more families moving to the area. That also means we have to try and keep up with higher energy bills. The money we’ll save thanks to this solar and battery system is money that we can spend on improving our facilities and improving participation for our newly founded Women’s team”. 

 

“Clubs like ours are increasingly on the frontline of climate-fuelled extreme weather like flooded ovals and violent storms. I’m proud to showcase what practical climate action looks like” 

 

Footy for Climate partnered with RESINC on the installation. RESINC will donate 20kw of solar for a Club Member lottery which will be drawn on Saturday, and are sponsoring a raffle and best on ground prizes for all matches on Saturday.

 

“I’m thrilled that the completion of this installation will mean that kids and families here in Portarlington are better protected to keep playing community sport into the future at their local club, and that through this partnership with the Portarlington Football Club, RESINC have helped to protect the future of this football club and sport in this community,” says RESINC CEO Leigh Storr. 

 

Power Forward’s first installation was at Mansfield Football and Netball Club in regional Victoria, installing a 30 kW solar system with 40 kWh battery storage. The project has cut the club's energy costs by around 90%, freeing up funds for what matters most - supporting players, volunteers, and the community.

 

Power Forward is Footy for Climate’s flagship program to install solar panels, battery storage, and sustainability solutions at community football clubs across Australia. Every Power Forward installation demonstrates that protecting the future of footy and protecting our communities are the same goal. 

 

Event details: 

Date: Saturday 11 July 2026 

Time: Senior Game from 2pm. FFC + RESINC address at half time of senior match (Approx 3:15pm)

Location: Portarlington Football and Netball Club, Portarlington Recreation Reserve, at 4-22 Sproat Street, Portarlington, Victoria, 3223. 

Opportunities for footage: Match day footage of local football games, former AFL players and local politicians will be present and the below spokespeople are available for interview. 

 

Available for interview: 

  • Tom Campbell, former AFL player and Founder of Footy for Climate

  • Owen Kelly, Program Manager at Footy for Climate

  • Leigh Storr, CEO of RESINC

  • Adam Kiss, Club President of Portarlington Football & Netball Club 


Contact details:

To arrange interviews please contact Owen Kelly on 0407087537 or via [email protected].