EV-made popcorn? Nature Shake – September 2025

Families across the Illawarra enjoyed the beautiful surrounds of the Wollongong Botanic Garden to have fun learning how to electrify their household and transport. 

We had a stand next to Wollongong Council’s Environmental Sustainability team who were demonstrating how good the inexpensive portable induction cooktops are by making blueberry pancakes for everyone.

Electrify Illawarra churned out lots of free popcorn from 2 popcorn makers powered off one of our members’ electric vehicle. Kids raced solar cars while their parents chatted to us about efficient, energy-saving products and services, and how Electrify Illawarra can help.  We were also able to provide a range of information sheets on rooftop solar, home batteries, induction cooktops and heat pump hot water & air-conditioners, courtesy of Rewiring Australia.

As an accessible, trusted source of information, Electrify Illawarra influences decisions about electrification made around the kitchen table one conversation at a time.

Electrify Illawarra stand with enthusiastic volunteers

Kids solar cars - learning how to harness the power of the sun through solar panels

Knitting Nannas Cherry and Ann serve popcorn while Michael quizzes the kids on where the electricity for the popcorn makers comes from

Rachel in the queue at Wollongong Council’s pancake stand

Fact sheets from Rewiring Australia with Knitting Nanna Cherry’s hand-knitted message fluttering above.
EV vehicle-to-load demonstration in the background, providing the electricity for the popcorn machines.