Solar-powered trailer an all-in-one community asset

Repurposing for Resilience Eurobodalla on Friday, August 30, launched its hand-built Community Access Solar Power Trailer.

The prototype trailer is kitted out with a full kitchen, shower and hot water system, communications suite including Starlink satellite internet, and even a covered sleeping area.

It's all powered by repurposed solar panels - 3.52kW worth - along with 12kWh of battery storage and a backup generator.

The trailer, simply named Mark II prototype, was built by the RfR team for rapid assistance in emergency situations, but with the capacity to be of use at community events, festivals and everyday life.

Attendees at Friday's launch event were also part of a workshop gauging thoughts on potential uses for the community trailer, and even what could be improved or altered if - or more likely when - more trailers were constructed.

"A highlight of the project was connecting the dots between building something vital for emergencies, but also building something that could be used by community in everyday life," RfR founding member Lisa Cornthwaite said.

"It also has been used to power a house during a power outage," she added.

Ms Cornthwaite described how the trailer was easily mobile, generated its own power, had a Starlink connection that could accommodate 150-plus people, hot water, facilities to cook a hot meal, and a fridge for meals and drinks.

"Imagine a fleet of these trailers, parked right across the shire," she said.

Workshop attendees offering their feedback on Friday included representatives from the SES, Red Cross, Rotary, SAGE Markets, Narooma Rocks and Oyster Festival, the Foundation for Rural and Regional renewal, and Eurobodalla Council.

Some of the ideas floated around the tables - which were also constructed from "waste" solar panels and timber - included using the trailer as a mobile office for festivals, a weekly soup kitchen, support unit for 'destination dining' and community picnics, at MTB events, or even as a social hub.

Those were all in addition to the obvious use as a support service in emergencies like bushfires or floods.

RfR said it would be taking on board all the suggestions as it considered where to deploy the Community Access Solar Power Trailer, and also whether there was a need for more of them.

While this first prototype was built thanks to a $35,000 grant from Fire to Flourish as well as a lot of in-kind support and community generosity, further funding sources would be needed to expand the idea into a fleet.

For more details, visit rfreurobodalla.com.au.