Karratha’s female-led Cheeditha Energy recognised with national Hot 30 award

A female-led business in the Pilbara that helps companies decarbonise their workplace has taken out a national prize for its innovation efforts. Cheeditha Energy was announced as the winner of the Hot 30 Women-led Innovation award on March 3 for its work to decarbonise businesses by increasing equipment efficiency and reducing non-renewable energy consumption. The awards, hosted by CORE Innovation Hub, showcase the next generation of businesses that are successfully developing technology and shaping the future of their industries through innovation. Cheeditha Energy was launched in 2018 by Cheeditha Group Aboriginal Corporation and National HC to pursue opportunities in the Pilbara for the design and installation of solar projects and energy-saving and environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant exchange. Company chief executive Brigette McDowall said she was proud to win the award because it was a predominately female business. “We are trying to bridge the gap, particularly in the renewables industry. So we’re proud to see that all the hard work my girls and I are doing is being recognised on a national level,” she said. “So essentially, what we’re doing is partnering with communities and companies to help them create what their Net 30 journey looks like. “And where we can implement some technologies or we can outsource it, but basically try and get them as close as possible, as fast as possible.” Ms McDowall said she had close to a decade of friendship with the Cheeditha community. “They’re our driving force from the top. The elders in the community really work hard to get our name out there and make sure that we’re the first name on the lips with every possible client,” she said. “We work fantastic as the team, and it’s really great for them as well to have this acknowledgement on the national level.” CORE National Innovation Hub manager Renee Hakendorf said winners had been outstanding in their fields and had used innovation to solve real-world problems.