For more than a century, Hydro Tasmania has been committed to growing and strengthening Tasmanian communities. When COVID-19 struck, we recognised the need to step up that support and play a pivotal role in the state’s response and recovery.

We’re proud that our COVID-19 Recovery Program has been announced as the winner of the Clean Energy Council’s 2021 Community Engagement award.

The Community Engagement category recognises an organisation that has demonstrated outstanding positive community engagement in relation to the Australian clean energy industry. Our COVID-19 Recovery Program reassured Tasmanians that we were adapting to the conditions to keep the lights on, and assisted communities in overcoming the pandemic challenges by partnering with community organisations to deliver initiatives to assist hard-hit sectors and vulnerable groups.

Acting Executive General Manager, People & Community, Ruth Groom, was delighted with the award win as recognition of the passion and dedication of Hydro Tasmania’s people to go above and beyond for the Tasmanian community.

Ms Groom said that Hydro Tasmania has a long history of supporting Tasmanians and as a major contributor to Tasmania’s economy and prosperity, was well placed to increase its support to communities in most need.

“In those very difficult times, it was important to us to step up and support the community, especially those sectors that were hardest hit.

“Right across our business, we had people coming up with ideas for ways we could help Tasmanian communities, suppliers and contractors, businesses and not-for-profits. Our response was unique because we didn’t limit ourselves to traditional partners, locations, sectors or types of initiatives.

“I was so proud of our response – we offered tangible and practical ways to deliver immediate financial and in-kind support and then collaborated with community partners on initiatives that would assist hard-hit sectors and vulnerable groups.

“We also targeted assistance to industries that were facing ongoing impacts and were looking to support people in a more digitally connected world. Initiatives with West By Northwest and Libraries Tasmania have been instrumental in helping communities adapt to the ‘new normal’,” Ms Groom said.

Ms Groom said that the feedback received from communities was heartfelt and it was so gratifying to have made such a meaningful and positive contribution to Tasmania.

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Released for Hydro Tasmania by Cassandra Leigh / 0409 722 359 / media@hydro.com.au