Congratulations to Garry Harding, CEO and co-founder of EnergyFlex, who has been honoured with the Community Impact Award at the 2024 King's Trust Beyond Service Awards.
The Department of Veterans' Affairs supported and presented the Community Impact Award which recognises a veteran, or Australian Defence Force partner, making a positive impact in the community and/or contributing to a more sustainable society through business.
Garry, a Royal Australian Airforce veteran, was recognised for his significant contributions to sustainability and community empowerment.
“On a personal level, this award is a career topper for me,” Harding stated. “It’s a bell ringer and a hugely proud moment, affirming that we built something from nothing.”
Garry, along with fellow veteran Craig Phasey, founded EnergyFlex, a proudly Australian and veteran-owned and operated energy data, insights, and education solutions provider which aims to make understanding energy consumption easy.
Their free app, which you get on Google Play or download at the App Store, empowers Australians to reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions through small, practical shifts in how and when they use energy. Since its launch, the app has seen great success with Garry reporting “In 4 months, we have gained over 3000 customers and that’s growing every day”.
Garry credits qualities he gained from his service in the RAAF helped him through tough times when creating the company and app.
“If nothing else, I've learned from the military it's persistence that actually gets you there and just keeping a calm head when … things may not be going well. And, I think, patience and understanding the light on the hill, the objective.”
Garry’s commitment to creating positive change reflects the spirit of the Community Impact Award, showcasing the vital experience of veterans and the role that they play in fostering sustainable communities.
Find out more about the 2024 King’s Trust Beyond Service Awards winners here.