Port Stephens Council, electricity distributor Ausgrid, and the Port Stephens Community Resilience Network have completed a two-year collaborative project converting the Mallabula Community Centre into a dedicated Community Resilience Hub. Located on the Tilligerry Peninsula, the upgraded facility provides local residents with emergency power, communication links, and shelter during natural disasters, severe weather events, and power grid outages.
The infrastructure upgrade integrates rooftop solar panels, a battery storage system, a generator-ready changeover switch, Starlink satellite internet connectivity, and an automated emergency information display screen. The power architecture is automated to island from the main electrical grid during blackouts, utilising stored solar energy to maintain operational power for community communication and emergency support.
The upgrade directly addresses geographical isolation risks on the Tilligerry Peninsula, where recent severe flooding cut road access and disrupted mains electricity. Outside emergency operations, the Mallabula Community Centre continues to operate as a local venue for community meetings, recreational classes, sporting activities, and regional events.
Mayor of Port Stephens, Leah Anderson stated that the resilience hub delivers practical emergency infrastructure for isolated coastal populations.
“Mallabula’s geographical location means it’s particularly exposed during severe weather events. Last year the peninsula was severely impacted by flooding, which saw road access cut and extensive power outages, effectively isolating the community,” Leah said.
“This partnership with Ausgrid represents an important investment in the resilience of our community. When extreme weather causes power outages and disrupts connectivity, and access in and out of the Tilligerry peninsula, the hub will provide a practical resource for residents during emergencies, foster connectivity and resilience for our locals, while helping us better prepare for future severe weather events.”
Group Executive of Network and Digital at Ausgrid, Junayd Hollis added that utility partnerships support regional disaster readiness.
“Building resilience is a shared responsibility, and partnerships like this are critical to ensuring communities are better prepared for the impacts of extreme weather,” Junayd said.
“By bringing together local knowledge, community leadership and targeted resilience investments, we’ve helped create a resource that will support the Tilligerry community when it is needed most. We’re proud to partner with Port Stephens Council, the Community Resilience Network and local residents on an initiative that responds directly to community needs. Projects like this help strengthen preparedness, improve access to information during emergencies and support more resilient communities into the future.”
IMAGE | Representatives from Ausgrid and Port Stephens Council join Ausgrid Group Executive Junayd Hollis and Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson (centre) and to officially open the Mallabula Community Resilience Hub.
