Many Australian homes were built without considering climate change, leading to high energy consumption and waste. Government-run energy upgrade programs often miss low-income households, renters, and culturally diverse communities due to complex processes and lack of tailored support. Community-led initiatives, however, are proving more effective by building trust through personalized advice and hands-on assistance. These programs help navigate legal hurdles, select appropriate upgrades, and connect households with reliable installers. Research highlights the importance of social work in these efforts, such as guiding applicants through incentives and ensuring equitable access. Scaling up requires funding local councils and community groups as key delivery partners, prioritizing relationship-building over mere metrics like rebates claimed. The article advocates for recognizing these programs as vital to Australia’s clean energy transition.