Coronavirus: Medowie business giving away solar energy system to Hunter families doing it tough

The team at Millennium Electrical said they were compelled to respond after hearing stories of financial hardship, business closures and job losses being experienced by households due to government restrictions brought on by the pandemic.

Business owner Johan Kruger and his staff - Matthew Mcgrath, Clayton Bourke and George Dickson - had decided on donating the system free of charge and to help ease the load for someone who is struggling financially or has serious health issues.

"We have set up a site on our Facebook page where people can nominate someone suffering from health or financial hardship," said Mr Kruger, who established the Medowie business after the family immigrated from South Africa in 2011.

"We are so proud to be a part of this amazing community, which has experienced floods, fires, drought and now the virus.

"If there is one thing I have learned about the Aussie culture, it is mateship. When the chips are down there is always someone that steps up to help. So, I thought now it is my turn. We have so many amazing people doing it tough and we thought how good it would be to contribute positively to someone's life."

Mr Kruger said the solar energy system would reduce power bills and that Millennium would pay for installation.

"There is no out of pocket cost to the selected person," he said.

He said that nominations would close on Friday, May 15, and deputy mayor Chris Doohan would assist the staff in selecting a worthy recipient.

People can nominate through the Millennium Electrical Facebook page or email johan.kruger@millenniumelectrical.com.au.

Simply message or email the team with a brief outline of why you think the nominee deserves the solar energy system by May 15 to go in the running.