Emerald Village Pharmacy (EVP) has received $47,260 to install a three-phase trailer-mounted diesel generator integrated with a smart inverter and battery system, to help strengthen its ability to continue supporting the pharmaceutical needs of the community during power outages.
The funding comes from the third round of AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund, which distributed close to $900,000 across 28 councils and community groups in Victoria.
EVP owner Louisa Lammers said the grant enables them to operate continuously during power outages, and provide vital healthcare support to the Emerald community.
“This funding enables Emerald Village Pharmacy to continue operating during prolonged outages, supporting the pharmaceutical needs of the broader community,” Lammers said.
The new generator system will improve the pharmacy’s ability to serve patients in multiple ways.
“It provides a secure supply of medications, keeps medicines at the correct temperature, safeguards restricted drugs like morphine and fentanyl, ensures uninterrupted access to prescriptions and weekly dosage packs, and reassures patients that they can consult their trusted pharmacy during urgent or time-sensitive health needs,” she said.
Previously, EVP relied on a solar backup system that could run for only eight hours, which was insufficient for the pharmacy’s needs.
“This grant reflects the importance of EVP during extreme weather,” Lammers said.
“The generator ensures full facility functions, including IT systems, refrigeration, dispensary equipment, lighting, and continuity of care, as well as access to lifesaving medications. It also allows us to set up a reliable energy solution before forecast events, avoiding blocked roads and reducing the need for residents to travel to other pharmacies.”
Executive general manager distribution, Andrew Linnie, said the grants are designed to support projects that build long-term community energy resilience and assist communities during severe weather events.
“We know how important energy is to our communities and customers. When emergencies happen, this becomes even more critical,” Linnie said.
“Through these grants, we’re helping create energy resilience hubs and infrastructure so communities can stay connected and safe during prolonged outages.”
Lammers highlighted the significance of the system for vulnerable residents.
“Many of our patients are elderly, disabled, or disadvantaged and ensuring uninterrupted access to medications reduces stress and trauma and eases the burden on support services,” she said.
The trailer-mounted generator, recommended by Buffalo Stand-alone Power Solutions, can also be borrowed by other local pharmacies to help protect the vulnerable across the hills.
“This is a vital investment for EVP and the surrounding community, enhancing energy resilience for our pharmacy and other small to medium medical facilities in at-risk areas,” Lammers said.
The pharmacy has experienced with extreme weather in the past.
“Our area has a history of catastrophic bushfires and storms that have caused prolonged power outages. With this diesel generator, EVP can now provide the essential medications and healthcare our community relies on,” Lammers said.
She said the system aligns with EVP’s commitment to providing reliable healthcare services under all conditions.
“The generator ensures we can maintain a high standard of care during emergencies, including secure storage of critical medicines, uninterrupted service, and continued support for our community during prolonged power outages,” Lammers said.
The grant is expected to bring immediate benefits to give the community confidence in the pharmacy’s ability to continue its operations even during extreme weather events.
“The community is relieved and excited that EVP will now be able to provide essential healthcare services during major power disruptions,” she said.
“Residents can be confident that their prescriptions and medical needs will not be interrupted, which reduces stress and allows them to stay safe without needing to travel to other pharmacies.”
