Energy Breakthrough to return bigger and better in 2021

The 2020 Energy Breakthrough event, due to be held in Maryborough from 18 to 22 November, has been cancelled.

The Energy Breakthrough Committee made the decision yesterday (13/07), based on the COVID-19 pandemic State Government restrictions.

Central Goldfields Shire Administrator and Chair of the Energy Breakthrough Committee Hugh Delahunty said the safety of participants, visitors, volunteers and local Maryborough residents were paramount.

“We apologise for the disappointment this cancellation will cause but public health takes priority and we must make the necessary decisions to respond responsibly to the pandemic.

“We thank our schools, volunteers and sponsors for their input to our decision making, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation.

“We are committed to making our 2021 event in Maryborough the biggest and best yet. Our schools and sponsors are on board and this, coupled with the State Government’s $1.5 million Regional Investment Fund investment boost announced in May, together with existing funding from the Department of Education and Training, will ensure this much loved, award-winning event will continue to grow.

Helen Clarke, Chair of Country Education Partnership expressed her disappointment at having to cancel the event in Maryborough but said

“We are pleased our partner sponsors including Transurban, Latrobe University, and Regional Roads Victoria will continue to work in partnership with Energy Breakthrough to develop education activities so that schools can maintain their involvement and be ready for the bigger and better event in 2021.”

Further information for schools will be available on the Country Education Partnership website shortly.

Hugh Delahunty indicated that the Management Committee, which comprises representatives from CEP, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Committee for Maryborough and local community representatives, is upbeat about the future of Energy Breakthrough and looking forward to the next twelve to eighteen months.

“I’m pleased to report that we are close to signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Central Goldfields Shire Council and Country Education Partnership which will solidify our relationship and strengthen this partnership for the future.

“Whilst it is disappointing we won’t be welcoming people to Maryborough for our 2020 event, we look forward to working with the Energy Breakthrough community to develop an even better event to celebrate 30 years of Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough in 2021’.