The Real Cost of Getting Community Engagement Wrong - Insights by Sarah Guilfoyle

Why the energy transition won’t succeed unless communities are treated as partners, not obstacles. In this episode of Energy in the Room, Katie is joined by Sarah Guilfoyle, Head of Stakeholder Relations at Voyager Renewables, to talk about the human side of the energy transition. Sarah shares her journey from regional Queensland through mining, agriculture and major infrastructure, and explains how lived experience shapes effective community engagement in renewables. The conversation covers breaking into the sector, building trust with regional communities, why “social licence” falls short, and the importance of diversity of thought in leadership. A practical, honest discussion for anyone working in - or looking to move into - Australia’s renewable energy industry.