A Commonwealth Energy Efficiency Grant has powered an upgrade of commercial kitchen appliances at Caterina Catering in Kangaroo Valley.
For 30 years, business owners chef Katrina Endean and her partner Andy Gordon have lived, worked and raised their family off grid on a rural property where they grow their own food, have solar power, collect rainwater and do all they can to reduce their environmental footprint.
In 2021, one year after losing their business in the Black Summer Bushfires, the couple reopened their commercial kitchen and shopfront in Kangaroo Valley village.
Their specialty catering business rose from the ashes and now continues to nourish the local community with fresh, healthy produce.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was delighted to deliver the $21,800 grant which allowed Andy and Katrina to replace their old, second hand equipment with new, energy efficient appliances.
“Andy and Katrina are so passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and minimizing their environmental impact, so they were delighted to be able to upgrade to an energy efficient commercial grade freezer, wine fridge and microwave oven, as well as installing a new air conditioner to keep their kitchen cool in summer,” Mrs Phillips said.
“A self-confessed energy nerd, Andy said in the first month since installation, the freezer alone had cut the business’s power bill by around 27 per cent. And he expects to see even greater savings on the next power bill.”
When Mrs Phillips dropped into Caterina Catering last week, she said the couple was extremely thankful for the help they had received from the Albanese Government to get their award-winning business up and running again.
“Andy was so excited to give me a tour of the new kitchen and to show me the four fantastic new hi-tech, energy efficient commercial appliances they’ve purchased thanks to the federal grant,” she said.
“Without the grant, they could not have afforded to replace the old equipment which was hiking up their electricity bills.
“Not only do they now have the latest five-star equipment that can monitor energy performance via a phone app, they will also see a drop in their power bills, which is massive win-win.”
The Commonwealth Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises program supports businesses to upgrade or replace inefficient equipment and implement other energy efficiency activities.
“These grants deliver on our election commitment to support Australian businesses to increase the uptake of energy efficient technologies, which will also help Australia reach net zero emissions by 2050,” Mrs Phillips said.
“Our government is committed to helping small and medium businesses reduce their running costs, through lowering energy costs, and investing in new technology.
“I’m so pleased that we are helping 15 local businesses in Gilmore use less energy and improve their competitiveness, while reducing their carbon footprint.”
Photo 1: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with Caterina Catering owners chef Katrina Endean, Andy Gordon and staff at their Kangaroo Valley kitchen.
Photo 2: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with Caterina Catering owners chef Katrina Endean, Andy Gordon and staff who were thrilled to receive a Commonwealth Energy Efficiency Grant.
Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
