A new connection with leading renewable energy company Edify Energy is set to generate greater opportunities for graduating NRL Cowboys House students.
Edify Energy designs, delivers and manages green energy infrastructure including solar, battery and hydrogen projects across the country with the aim of supplying the lowest cost energy available and accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.
In Queensland, this includes a new green hydrogen facility at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct in development south of Woodstock, new solar farm and battery developments in Callide, Smoky Creek and Majors Creek, in addition to the four existing solar farms north of Collinsville, Daydream, Whitsunday, Hamilton and Hayman.
They have now joined the NRL Cowboys House family as Presenting Partner for the Career Transitions Program.
Edify Founder and CEO John Cole, originally from Townsville, and Townsville-based Project Delivery Lead Damien Krauklis were taken on a student-led tour of the House by year 11 boarders Elianah and Kentaro.
It marked the beginning of what they hope will be an enduring and meaningful partnership.
“It’s hard to describe how it feels to visit NRL Cowboys House,” John said.
“It’s warm, yet well organised. There’s a sense of rhythm and routine and it also feels very homely – I’ve been thoroughly impressed,” he said.
“At Edify Energy we want to have a positive impact on the environment through energy solutions and create positive connections in the communities in which we operate.
“We’re excited to become the Presenting Partner for the Career Transitions Program which helps propel graduates into their next phase of life.
“It was special to spend time with Elianah and Kentaro who both have an interest in green energy and carried themselves with such confidence and gratitude.”
Elianah, from Old Mapoon, and Kentaro who is from Thursday Island represented NRL Cowboys House on the world stage when they attended the COP28 UAE - United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai late last year.
Both are passionate to know more about renewables and want to create a cleaner, greener future.
“It was great to meet John and Damien,” Kentaro said.
“Their business is really interesting and it’s a great opportunity for us to learn more about clean and renewable energy,” he said.
Elianah said she looked forward to Edify Energy becoming part of the House family and hoped to gain knowledge that might help preserve the environment.
“I’d love for things to be more earth-friendly back home and for us to have and use energy in a way that doesn’t impact the planet or our community which I love and cherish, she said.”
NRL Cowboys House breaks down the barrier of distance for over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and girls from remote communities to access secondary school in Townsville.
Its award-winning wrap-around model provides a culturally safe home-away-from home where each student can thrive.
The Career Transitions Program includes dedicated staff who support senior students as they prepare to enter the workforce including preparing their resumes, sourcing identification documentation, gaining other pre-employment accreditations and facilitating work experience opportunities.
“Having a supportive and successful Career Transitions Program not only makes the students more attractive employees but it gives them the confidence to seek out the jobs they want and to be great assets in any role,” Damien said.
“The renewable energy transition is an exciting new industry which presents many pathways to employment – new skills, new industries and new opportunities here in North Queensland,” he said.
“We hope by working with the Transitions team we can inspire students to explore and consider future employment opportunities offered within the renewable energy industry and any field of interest to them.
“If we can help ignite their passions so they can find their calling, that would be a wonderful result.”
