Having first joined forces with the Swans at the start of 2022, Origin will remain the club’s Official Energy Partner and extend its commitment as a Premier Partner of both the AFL and AFLW teams through to four seasons.

The new Sydney Swans HQ at the iconic Royal Hall of Industries, which was officially opened in 2023, has recently been awarded a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

The award-winning facility incorporates several features promoting sustainability, including solar panels, skylights and windows to maximise natural light, upgraded window glazing and rainwater tanks. Meanwhile the decision to improve an existing building significantly reduced the use of materials that would have been associated with a new build.

Origin assisted with the installation of EV charging solutions at the new facility to help the Swans make the transition to lower emission vehicles.

“We’re thrilled to be extending our support of the Sydney Swans, as their official energy partner and across both their men’s and women’s football programs, until the end of 2025,” Origin’s Executive General Manager Retail, Jon Briskin, said.

“Over the past two years, we’ve worked together to lay a strong foundation and have seen the Swans take some significant steps forward around sustainability – particularly at their new home.

“We’re excited to explore further possibilities with the Swans around reducing their carbon footprint into the future, and to continue to influence behaviours through sport in line with our ambition to lead the energy transition within Australia.”

For the past two seasons at Sydney Swans home games at the SCG, we’ve created a sustainable, VIP game day space through its Home of the Fans and Good Change Clubhouse experiences.

Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said the club is proud to be continuing its partnership with Origin.

“Like many organisations, our club is on a journey to reduce our carbon footprint and make our operations sustainable into the future,” Harley said.

“Origin has been an incredible support in helping us understand the best way to transition to cleaner energy solutions, and importantly, together we have been able to share that message with Swans members and fans.

“On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank Origin for their continued support. We look forward to continuing to work together on cleaner energy initiatives.”

We will also continue to support the QBE Sydney Swans Academy as an Official Partner.

The post Extending our partnership with the Sydney Swans appeared first on The Origin Blog.

The 40 kW rooftop solar system is expected to generate approximately 50 MWh of electricity annually, while a 13.5 kW battery has also been installed to store energy and help power the facility at night. 

This initiative represents a substantial stride towards reducing the club’s carbon footprint at its state-of-the-art home. 

Now in our third year as a Major Partner of Melbourne City FC, we’re committed to continuing to drive good change in Australian sport. 

These renewable energy solutions will help power the club’s football and administration operations – helping contribute to a more sustainable future. 

“We are thrilled to officially unveil the City Football Academy Melbourne at Casey Fields,” Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse, said. 

“This state-of-the-art facility, powered by Origin’s renewable energy solutions, will be the new home to our Men’s, Women’s, Academy, and Administration teams, and will allow us to come together under the one roof to train, share ideas and challenge each other every single day. 

“This facility sets new standards for football in this country and lays the foundations for sustainable growth, on and off the pitch. 

“We pride ourselves on being an innovative club, and a club that has a positive impact on our local community, and in Origin, we’re lucky to have a partner that shares these same values.” 

“We’re proud to partner with Melbourne City FC to help power their new home base, the City Football Academy Melbourne, with cleaner energy,” Origin’s Executive General Manager Retail, Jon Briskin, said. 

“Installing renewable energy solutions at this facility, in the form of solar power and battery storage, will be important in helping lower emissions from the club’s day-to-day operations. 

“At Origin, our ambition is to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy solutions and working with our partners, like Melbourne City FC, we can help drive good change in sport together.” 
 
Together, Melbourne City FC and Origin are showing that integrating lower carbon energy solutions is the winning game plan. 

The post Future proofing Melbourne City FC’s City Football Academy   appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Ahead of the Origin Australian Diamonds’ first appearance for 2024 in the Netball Nations Cup this Sunday, Origin has re-signed as the team’s official naming rights partner, with branding to feature across all playing and training uniforms. 

Origin will also extend its support at the top tier of domestic competition, continuing as a major partner of the Suncorp Super Netball League. 

The partnership first launched in 2020, with Origin and Netball Australia working together to help grow the number one team sport for women and girls in Australia from the grassroots level through to the elite level. 

Netball Australia Interim CEO Stacey West thanked Origin for their strong ongoing support for the sport which has more than one million participants.  

“Together with Origin, we will continue to grow the sport of netball in Australia from the grassroots through to our Origin Australian Diamonds,” West said.  

“The Origin Australian Diamonds have won every major tournament they’ve played in the past two-and-a-half years, including being crowned Commonwealth Games gold medallists and World Champions and with the ongoing support of Origin will continue to make Australia proud.’’ 

Origin Australian Diamonds defender Joanna Weston was excited to announce the partnership would enter a fifth year.  

“It’s really exciting to have Origin re-sign as our naming rights partner,” Weston said.  

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have had Origin’s support for the past four years and we wouldn’t be on the court without them.” 

Origin’s General Manager of Marketing, Catherine Anderson, said: “We’re delighted to be extending our partnership with Netball Australia and continuing our support of the world’s best netball team, the Origin Australian Diamonds, and the world’s premier domestic competition.”  

“Over the past four years, we’ve built a strong relationship with Netball Australia, supporting one of Australia’s most-loved sports at all levels.”   

“The Origin Australian Diamonds have enjoyed significant success on the court through this period, as well as being excellent role models within the community. We’re excited to continue to help grow netball in Australia and work together to create good change in sport.”  

The world number-one ranked Origin Australian Diamonds will begin the Netball Nations Cup against New Zealand in London this Sunday, before taking on England and for the first time in history Uganda.  

The post Extending our partnership with Netball Australia appeared first on The Origin Blog.

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle

Invest in reusable options

70 billion pieces of soft plastics go into landfill each year. By making a few tweaks to the way you travel, you can help reduce your impact. 

Instead of buying mini-sized travel versions of your favourite products, purchase a silicone set of travel containers instead. This way you can dispense your favourite products into them and reuse them over and over.  

Out of the bathroom and into the kitchen, you can purchase reusable cutlery sets that you can take with you on your journey. These usually include the typical set: knife, fork, spoon and some even include reusable straws – helping to protect marine life too. 

Pack your water bottle

Pack a water bottle. Many airports offer water stations where you can refill your bottle once you’ve cleared security. And once you reach your destination, if tap-water is a no-go, you can purchase a larger bottle to leave in your room to refill your bottle each day.  

Give yourself permission to slow down

Australians throw out 2.7 million single-use or disposable coffee cups every single day. Instead of grabbing a takeaway coffee, give yourself the time to sit-down and enjoy it instead. Whether it’s getting to the airport ahead of time, and having the opportunity to go over your intinerary and plans, or simply opting to sit in a cafe at your destination and take in your new surroundings. You’ll help to reduce the amount of coffee cups in landfill.

2. Watch your waste

Check how the city you’re in recycles – it may be different to home. Some cities have additional programs, so paying attention to signs on bins can be handy. If you’re visiting natural sites, like national parks and beaches, make sure you always take your rubbish with you.

3. Pack reef safe sunscreen

Speaking of the beach, if you’re off on a tropical getaway, check the type of sunscreen you’re packing. Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone, which is toxic to the symbiotic algae that live within corals. Keep ocean critters happy by purchasing a reef-safe option.  
 
You’ll want to purchase an SPF that uses physical UVA and UVB filters (as opposed to the chemical ones that have been connected to coral reef deterioration). Check the ingredients and look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients form a physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays (whereas chemical filters absorb UV and turn it into heat that’s released from skin).

4. Switch up your transport

Instead of opting for taxis and Ubers, switch up your transport options while travelling. Take public transport, rent a bike, hire an electric scooter or even take advantage of hop-on hop-off buses to get around and sightsee. Joining a walking tour, or simply going for a stroll to see things from a local’s point of view is also a great idea. You might even stumble across some hidden gems along the way. These options are usually cheaper than opting for taxi fares too – which means more money to spend on things like tours or dining out. 

5. Try plant-based options

Simply skipping meat one day a week can save 699.04 kilometres of greenhouse gases from being emitted into our atmosphere every year. Not to mention, animal agriculture also uses up a lot of water. Eating plant-based sausages instead of steak just one day a week could save 789.25 bathtubs of water per year. So why not opt for a plant-based option on the plane, or explore vego restaurants at your destination? Apps like Happy Cow make finding vegetarian dining spots easy.  

How is Origin influencing good change?

For Origin, sports sponsorships are more than a logo on a shirt. They’re collaborative partnerships with a shared ambition to drive positive change for our communities and the planet. Harnessing the power of Aussie sporting communities provides an opportunity to work together to shape a brighter future.  

Here are just a few ways we’re helping the sporting community transition towards net zero:

• Installing EV chargers at the Nissan Arena (home of the Firebirds) and the Royal Hall of Industries (home of the Sydney Swans). 
• Providing electric vehicles (EVs), EV chargers and installing solar and battery storage at Casey Fields (Melbourne City Football Club’s new training ground). 
• Helping the Sydney Swans with renewable energy solutions as part of their ambitions to reduce their carbon emissions. 

Looking for more ways to make good change? Head to our 90 Ways of Change hub for some simple ways you can make a big difference. 

The post 5 ways you can make good changes while travelling appeared first on The Origin Blog.

In our recent round table discussion, Origin gathered leaders in sport and sustainability to explore how we can all work together to create good change. Our CEO, Frank Calabria, joined Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley, Melbourne City Football Club goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, Sports Environment Alliance CEO Katherine O’Regan and sports broadcaster — and host of the podcast ‘Emergency on Planet Sport’ — Jonathan Overend to discuss how sport can help influence the transition to net zero across. Spanning everything from infrastructure, transport and travel, food and beverage, to waste, and energy use at stadiums.

The power of sport

Sport brings people together – fans and players are a passionate bunch who have proven they can rally around a cause to create real change. This is the power of sport in the climate conversation. In fact, almost half of all Sydney Swans fans think climate is an important social issue, according to a recent survey.

Change is already taking place. Right now, we are working with the Sydney Swans on their decarbonisation journey and, over at Melbourne City Football Club, athletes are not only looking after their bodies – they’re looking after the planet and thinking about new ways they can inspire a whole generation of fans. For goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, this means things like looking at reducing waste at MCFC – a goal that may seem small, but has the potential to snowball into a big change when clubs across the country join in.

Partnerships with purpose

For Origin, sports sponsorships are more than a logo on a shirt. They’re collaborative partnerships with a shared ambition to drive positive change for our communities and the planet. Harnessing the power of Aussie sporting communities, provides an opportunity to work together to take positive climate action.

“I’ve always wanted to leave a legacy for those on the pitch. Now I can start to feed into environmental challenges as well.”

Melissa Barbieri, MCFC goalkeeper

What’s Origin doing?

We have an ambition to lead the energy transition in Australia. Alongside our proposal to bring forward the closure of Eraring Power Station to 2025 – potentially seven years ahead of schedule – and investing in renewable energy, we’re also working with the Sydney Swans and Melbourne City Football Club to bring the worlds of sport and sustainability together.

“We’re up for that challenge and we want to help others come along on the journey with us.”

Frank Calabria, CEO Origin Energy

For our sports partners, this means working together to identify a baseline for emissions, which can then be used to create a sustainability plan – and measure change – that’s both meaningful and realistic. This is what we’re currently working on with the Sydney Swans, while at Melbourne City Football Club, we’re increasing the amount of solar on their new facilities, adding energy storage capacity and installing EV charging stations.

Through this work with our sports partners, we’re aiming to create a blueprint for grassroots clubs to help sport at every level become more sustainable.

Becoming a player in sustainability

The most important thing to do is start.  Whether it’s at an elite or grassroots level, whether you’re a player or a supporter – there are so many ways to create change.

Big or small, changes that we make can have a big impact when we all work together. It’s why Origin is dedicated to working with our sporting partners to create good change that can inspire clubs everywhere.

“It may start in the energy area, it may start with travel, it may start with your waste, it may start with your sporting equipment, where you use it, how you use it, how you can reuse it. We’ve seen some really good innovations and inspiring things that different sports are doing. But the biggest message we try and impart is just start.”

Katherine O’Regan, CEO, Sports Environment Alliance

Want to learn more?

The post The transition of sport to net zero appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Wait, there’s a club?

The Good Change Club is an Origin initiative in partnership with the Sydney Swans, Netball Australia and Melbourne City FC to help bring good change to sport, by working together towards a cleaner energy future. By using the power of sport for good, the club aims to educate, inspire and incentivise sports fans to make small acts of good change that collectively make a big difference.

Plus, the club will look to celebrate and reward acts of good change by inviting people to share their own changes for the chance to win tickets to watch some of your favourite sporting teams, exclusive access to VIP spaces, signed merch and more.

Why was the club created?

Our ambition is to lead the transition to net-zero, across the value chain by 2050, by reducing carbon emissions in our own business – and by working with our customers to help them on their carbon reduction journeys. This is the focus of our sports sponsorships and the reason why we’re providing solar, battery storage and EV charging stations for Melbourne City FC’s new home, the City Football Academy in South-East Melbourne. We’re also excited to be working with the Sydney Swans to investigate what cleaner energy solutions are best suited to their new state of the art headquarters at the Royal Hall of Industries.

Every club needs a captain, right?

Too right and we have three! Through our partnerships with the Sydney Swans, Netball Australia, and Melbourne City FC, we’re working with three ambassadors who are just as passionate about good change as we are – and they’ll be sharing what they’re doing as part of their own journeys. Our captains will also be leading the charge on educating supporters about the small changes we can all make, in addition to helping reward those fans that take action throughout the AFL, netball and soccer seasons.

Keen to join in?

There will be plenty of prizes to be won over the next 12 months, so why not get involved?

Entering is easy:

1. Understand what a good change looks like (see below for some inspiration if you’re stuck)
2. Make sure you’ve read through our T&Cs
3. Head to the Sydney Swans, Melbourne City FC, Netball Australia or Suncorp Super Netball (SSN)’s Instagram posts to enter, and in 25 words or less, share how you’re helping create good change. Please note: comments on the Sydney Swans account will get you in the draw for Sydney Swans-related prizes, Netball for Netball etc.
4. Enter as many times as you like, go wild with acts of good change!
5. Want to take it to the next level? Show us your good change by making Instagram videos or stories. Make sure you tag @originenergy and use #GoodChangeClub

Need some inspiration to get started?

Chances are you’re already doing a few of them and not realising! Head over to our Captain’s social channels or check out our 90 Ways of Change hub for some simple ways you can make a big difference.

The post Welcome to the Good Change Club appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Here at Origin, we’re proud to support netball at all levels – and everyone involved. From the youngest players and local club volunteers, right through to the world-class Australian Diamonds.

Over the past year, COVID-19’s had an impact on netball at all levels, from delays to the 2021 professional season, through to the cancellation of local junior competitions. This has also made fundraising more challenging than usual for local clubs in need of money and support.

So, to help make it easier for clubs to raise funds during this difficult time, Origin’s launched a special energy offer exclusive to local netball clubs.

Introducing Origin Go!

Existing or new Origin customers, with an active netball member ID, can earn up to $140 for their club if they sign up to Origin Go for both electricity and gas ($70 for electricity and $70 for gas).

It’s good energy for you and your club!

“The value of sport for local communities cannot be underestimated, and this past year has taken a toll on grassroots clubs around the country,” said Duncan Permezel, General Manager, Retail Sales and Marketing at Origin.

“We hope this offer helps provide meaningful support for local clubs by giving them some much-needed cash they can put back into the club and players”.

Netball Australia Chief Commercial Officer and Acting EGM Events, David Lee, welcomed the offer.

“Local clubs have had a particularly tough year, so it’s great to see this offer from Origin as a way members can support their clubs and netball community in a really tangible way. Whether that’s new balls, uniforms or game day activities, the injection of cash can go a long way for a club at a time when it will genuinely help,” David said.

Want to get involved?

Full T&Cs and details on the Origin Go offer.

Basic Plan Information Documents are available at originenergy.com.au/pricing. For VIC and WA customers, fact sheets are available at originenergy.com.au/pricing.

For clear advice on the right plan for you, contact us on 13 24 61.

The post Netball clubs can score up to $140 when members sign up to Origin Go appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Now in its second year, the program surprises local netball communities going through challenging times and supports club players to achieve through the power of sport. The Chinchilla visit included a special training session run by Caitlyn, a video call with current Origin Diamond player Cara Koenen and a surprise financial donation towards new equipment for the club.

Origin’s General Manager, Condabri Talinga Orana Asset, Alexandra Kennedy-Clark is proud that Origin is supporting grassroots netball and helping to unite regional communities in such a tangible way.

“Helping to promote a love of netball by facilitating a visit from former Origin Diamond Caitlyn and encouraging local players to do their best every day is an honour,” she said.

With the Australian Diamonds having won 11 out of 13 World Championships and many other accolades, Caitlyn knows what it takes to go from regional schoolgirl in the small town of Echuca on the Victoria/New South Wales border, to Australian champion.

Caitlyn met with local netball players from across the Western Downs to run through a special coaching session, giving home grown talent a taste of what it’s like to train as an Origin Diamond.

“It’s great to be able to share the love, passion and sisterhood team spirit netball brings to regional communities and see how much enthusiasm these young players have for the game. I’m proud to be able to help inspire the players, close the gap between regional and city opportunities and play a small part in helping grow the sport by visiting Chinchilla,” Caitlyn said.

Chinchilla Netball President, Kelly Statham, thanked Origin for the wonderful opportunity on behalf of the players.

“Helping to show our players that hard work, resilience and dedication pay off and dreams really can come true is so important,” she said.

“Our players really loved meeting Caitlyn and Cara. The courts are still buzzing. I think that the good energy provided by this visit is the start of great things for Chinchilla Netball,” Kelly said.

The post Diamond netballer delivers good energy to Chinchilla appeared first on The Origin Blog.

As part of the partnership, we’re investing in all levels of the game as Community Partner for Netball Australia and all the state leagues, naming rights partner of the Australian Diamonds, and sponsor of seven of the eight Suncorp Super Netball teams.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Netball Australia to support a much-loved Australian sport and everyone associated with the game at all levels across the country – from local clubs right through to the world leading Australian Diamonds,” our CEO, Frank Calabria said.

Netball is the biggest team sport in the country, played by over 1.2 million men, women and children. It’s also the number one participation sport for Australian girls.

We’re proud to be partnering with an organization that shares our passion for connecting with local communities and empowering women to shine.

The sponsorship also compliments the work we already do in the communities to support children through education, including our annual littleBIGidea competition and philanthropic Origin Energy Foundation.

The world number-one ranked Origin Australian Diamonds will make their next appearance in the Netball Bushfire Relief match in Sydney on 1 March where they’re playing against a Suncorp Super Netball All Star team. You can show your support by purchasing tickets on Ticketek.

In addition to supporting the bushfire relief match, we’ve donated more than $870,000 to support communities impacted by the bushfires and drought. We encourage any customers who need assistance to contact us on 13 24 61.

The post We’re proud to be partnering with Netball Australia appeared first on The Origin Blog.