It was three weeks – and two heatwaves – ago that June Orako and her family relocated to Wagga.
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Over that short time, the family room of the Morrow Street library has become their oasis.
“We have air conditioning at home, but even with it on it’s so hot and uncomfortable,” said Ms Orako.
‘It’s too hot for the beach even. When it’s this hot you have to go somewhere cool, like the museums or the movies.”
On average, Wagga’s library sees 600 people come through its doors each day. Typically traffic peaks when the mercury is at its highest so with the past few weeks of high temperatures, increased numbers are expected.
Especially as energy prices and water rates hit their highest prices. The average family of four in Wagga will spend between $677.05 and $779.28 each quarter.
The regional president of St Vincent De Paul’s, Joanne Crowley has spent the past month in back-to-back meetings with Wagga residents who are struggling to pay their bills.
“This year has been worse than previous because it’s also coming off the back of a very cold winter,” said Ms Crowley.
“Since before Christmas, we’ve been seeing about 20 people a week. We’re only just getting through the winter bills now and the summer bills are already upon us.”
The bills she has seen have varied from as little as $98 to as much as $2,500.
“One man came in, he’s been laid off work because of an injury, he’s got two kids at home and a new baby. Centrelink can take about six or eight weeks to start, so they’re struggling,” said Ms Crowley.
“Electricity, gas and water have gotten so much dearer. But I get it when it’s this hot you have to find another way to cool down.”
Ms Crowley recommends substituting “good old fashioned energy efficient fans” for the air conditioning overnight and keeping the blinds closed during the heat of the day.
“Your energy bills say how much you’re using and spending per day, so it’s just a matter of being aware of it before it becomes a big problem,” said Ms Crowley.
“You can also talk to your energy provider to find out ways to reduce your bill too. It’s important for people to remember that there is hope. Don’t let your electricity be cut off and suffer in silence, there are people in the city who are here to help.”
To reduce usage and save on costs, Ms Crowley hopes there will be more like the Orako family, who are making use of the city’s free air conditioning.
“Go somewhere cool and air-conditioned like the shopping centre. Take a bottle of water and just watch the world go by.”