Generation
Electrical generators transform movement (mechanical energy) into electricity.
In a power station rotating engines called turbines provide the movement. The turbines are attached to massive copper coils. As the turbine moves, it spins the copper coil inside huge magnets - this generates electricity.
Getting those turbines to turn requires energy. There are many possible sources of that energy.
Australia has abundant natural resources, including coal. Most of our electricity comes from burning coal.
Coal is buried deep in the ground and has to be extracted by mining. It must then be transported to the power station by truck, train, ship or a combination of methods.
At the power station the coal is burnt to heat water. The boiling water turns to steam, which passes through the turbine. The turbine looks a little like a massive fan or rotor because it is designed to be caught by the steam and turned. If you're wondering how steam can turn a heavy turbine, think about the lid rattling on a pan of boiling water.
Newer power plants do not rely on steam; instead the gases produced by burning of the fuel turn a gas turbine directly.