WINTER 2026 | Mid-Western Living | 23 “This industry is only growing and all my experiences thus far have allowed me to learn and grow along the way and have put me in the position I am in now,” she says. “Working in renewable energy has been the absolute highlight of my working career. It has been very refreshing to move to an industry that focuses on continuous improvement.” Training pathways into renewable energy For many people, the move into renewable energy doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Tradespeople, machinery operators and hands-on workers already have many of the skills needed - and Uunugula Wind Farm is helping bridge the gap with targeted training. A key initiative has been the delivery of funded Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training, which is mandatory for anyone working on a wind farm site. This accredited training covers essential skills like working at heights, manual handling, fire awareness and first aid. The program removes cost as a barrier by fully funding training for eligible local participants. It also links directly to employment opportunities on site. Bart Sykes, Regional Economic Development Manager at Squadron Energy says participants aren’t just getting a certificate - they’re meeting employers. “They’re learning about upcoming roles and gaining skills that are recognised across the wind industry Australia-wide.” Uunugula Wind Farm is also creating opportunities for First Nations people in and around Wellington as a priority, with First Nations businesses playing an important role in supporting the project, contributing to construction, refurbishment and site services and strengthening local supply chains. Targeted traineeships and employment pathways have also been delivered in partnership with industry to support First Nations participants into wind turbine technician and construction roles. Kacee Milnes, Site Operations Manager and Mudgee local at Crudine Ridge Wind Farm Benefits for local businesses and services Local businesses are supporting the project through accommodation, catering, transport, civil works and professional services. One of the most visible examples is the refurbishment of the former Bellhaven facility in Wellington. The upgrade was delivered by local First Nations contractors, creating jobs while providing dedicated worker accommodation. “Bellhaven provides a home for the Squadron workforce and frees up rentals and tourist accommodation for the community.” said Bart Sykes. “The facility has gone through extensive refurbishment, with this monumental task taken up by our committed contractors, who are all locals from the area.” Importantly for residents, this approach eases pressure on rental housing and local tourism accommodation. Once construction is complete, the refurbished facility will remain a valuable community asset with potential future uses. Local infrastructure upgrades linked to the wind farm, including improvements to the Goolma Road and Twelve Mile Road intersection, have also supported local jobs while delivering long-term safety benefits for all road users. A lasting legacy Uunugula Wind Farm is expected to operate for 30 years or more. That long lifespan underpins a strong focus on skills, careers and economic resilience that extend well beyond the construction phase. This means new industries and job options that allow people to live and work locally. It also means confidence that projects of this scale can deliver tangible, lasting benefits for host communities. By investing in people as well as infrastructure, Uunugula Wind Farm is helping ensure the transition to clean energy delivers real opportunity right here in our region. Inside the new Bellhaven accommodation facility Scan the QR code to learn more about Uunugula Wind Farm
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