The system was installed during the winter months with funds secured through grants from Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Wind and Acciona Energy.

The club’s assistant secretary, Sheila Hollingworth, said she hoped the solar panels would mean the club could generate all the power it needed to save money on bills and reduce its energy footprint. 

“This is great news as, like many community organisations, the club has limited membership revenue, high power costs from running fridges and air-conditioning in summer, and it makes great use of the large clubhouse roof that easily accommodates solar panels,” she said. 

Additionally, the club has replaced its secondhand 30-year-old chairs as a result of a grant application through Creswick and District Community Bank Branch and a personal donation from Karen Byrnes. 

The 140-year-old club thanked the funding bodies for helping it remain viable and sustainable now and into the future.