About Us

Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions (BREAZE) is a non-profit grassroots organisation, which has come about because members of the Ballarat community want to demonstrate that individual and community-based actions can make a difference in our response to climate change.

BREAZE was officially formed during a public forum in December 2006 when 40 people signed up to become members. After just 12 months, interest in BREAZE and its activities has grown to the extent membership and the email distribution list are numerically very strong. The beginnings of BREAZE as a grassroots organisation underpin its emphasis on engaging and supporting the Ballarat community, implementing actions and working with partners. We also advocate government policies that embrace climate change, while not aligning ourselves with any political party.

Over time, BREAZE hopes to become a trusted and authoritative voice for the Ballarat community on all climate change issues. This position will be re-enforced by BREAZE actively helping the community embrace carbon neutral and sustainable lifestyles.

If you are concerned about climate change and would like to take local action to respond to it, then join BREAZE. We’d love to have you with us!

Notable Achievements

BREAZE has submitted 13 comprehensive submissions and lobby letters on a range of topics to a range of organisations including the City of Ballarat, Victorian Government and Federal Government.

In October 2007 BREAZE negotiated a partnership with the Ballarat Courier to provide a monthly Earth Matters article. Often prepared by a BREAZE representative, these articles are up to half a page in size and cover very practical sustainability issues such as transport, insulation, and helping householders cut electricity and water consumption.

During Council elections in 2008 BREAZE asked all candidates to answer a series of questions relating to their attitudes to carbon emissions, sustainable housing and leadership on climate change. Their responses were provided on the BREAZE website. Within four days of receiving the email from BREAZE 15 candidates had responded.

The Local Food Action Group is now moving to implement a food cooperative outlet supplying food and products with a low-emissions footprint in Ballarat. A survey has been completed and BREAZE is compiling the information about the type of food members would like to buy and how it would suit them to buy it. It's possible BREAZE may even branch out into sustainable non-food items if there is member interest.

BREAZE has established links, and in some cases partnerships, with a number of other agencies and organisations, including other climate action groups, local governments, peak environment and climate action groups, educational institutions, projects and local businesses.

How to donate

http://breaze.org.au/

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Calling food enthusiasts - volunteer opportunity

If you've always wanted to get more involved in the local food scene in Ballarat - now is a great time to get in touch. We're looking for a co-convenor for the BREAZE Local Food Group when I take a break to have a baby, so please get in touch if you'd be interested in helping out with some of the group's activities. There are no huge time requirements involved, just a passion to keep events like the Potluck Dinners and the Produce Swap going. You don't have to be a current BREAZE member to...

Call for sustainable houses to display

Are you interested in helping to promote sustainable living?Do you have a home with sustainable features?Would other people be interested in the ideas you've implemented?Would you be happy to help as a volunteer at a sustainable house? How about putting your home on the list to be visited on Sustainable House Day? It's on Sunday, September 8th this year.

Chair's report

After nearly 12 months in the role, Lisa is stepping aside as BREAZE Inc. Chair to focus on building her family home for the rest of the year! Stephen Roberts, who has been on the Board for the past 2 years and Deputy Chair for the past 12 months, has stepped into the role. BREAZE Incorporated Board has recently completed a planning process for the next 12 months of activity. Some points worth mentioning: · We have commenced discussions with Ballarat council to assist in the ongoing...

Why I won't have another cold winter

I live in an 1890's Victorian weatherboard residence in central Ballarat. I love the geographic convenience, which encourages me to wear out leather rather than petrol, and my dog often joins me. My home has a cosy ambience, but it's COLD, and has no natural light in the kitchen and dining rooms, so I committed some resignation $$$ for reconfiguation.  

Don't have a Solar Power system yet?

Is it all a bit confusing? Come to a free BREAZE Go Solar Info Session where you can find out about: Upfront Incentive Feed-in Tariffs: sell excess power back to the grid Sizing a system to your energy usage pattern Getting the paperwork right Ensuring trouble-free grid connection and smart meter installation Locking in your electricity price for 25 years. WHEN: Thursday 09 May 2013, 07:00pm - 08:30pm WHERE: Ballan Mechanics Institute. 143 Inglis St, Ballan. Please RVSP to...