Organised by the Australian Red Cross and climate action body Sweltering Cities, Extreme Heat Awareness Day aims to raise national awareness about the threat of extreme heat across Australia.
“Extreme Heat Awareness Day is timed to coincide with the hottest part of the Australian Summer,” said WSROC President, Mayor Brad Bunting.
“Summer temperatures in Western Sydney can get as high as 50 degrees Celsius. Many areas of Western Sydney are experiencing rapid development and this combined with geographic conditions often produce summer temperatures of between 10 to 15 degrees higher than areas closer to the coast.
“Extreme temperatures are not only a risk to our health, but can impact services like transport and electricity, and cause energy bills to sky-rocket. It’s important to ensure you, your family members and friends are prepared for heat and know how to take action in heat waves.
Look after yourself and others:
“In hot weather, keep a close eye on more vulnerable members of our community, particularly the elderly, the very young, or those with chronic medical conditions. Even common medications can reduce your body’s ability to cope with heat, so be sure to ask your GP at your next appointment. Parents and carers should also keep a particularly close eye on babies and young children as they can be more sensitive to the heat.”
Keeping your home cool:
“Preparing your home is important for keeping cool and saving on energy,” said Mayor Bunting.
"There are a few simple things you can do to keep safe, like staying indoors during the hottest times of the day, closing doors, windows, blinds and curtains early to keep hot air and sun out in the day, staying hydrated and carrying a water bottle when outside.
“If you have time and budget, getting your air-conditioner serviced and installing shade is recommended.
"If it's hard to keep cool at home, plan to spend the day somewhere cooler, which might include public spaces like shopping centres, libraries or air-conditioned community venues.”
Planning ahead:
“Heatwaves can impact transport and energy networks. It’s important to take this into consideration when planning for a heatwave,” said Mayor Bunting.
“If you are going to work, think about how your travel might be impacted.
“If you plan to attend a cool space plan for where you will go – and how you will get there.”
The Western Sydney Local Health District has information in a range of community languages to help you prepare for the heat before it arrives, including ‘Heat Smart Tips for Heatwaves’ (in 10 languages), tips on staying safe during extreme heat, and tips to keep babies and children safe, also in a range of languages.
The Australian Red Cross has lots of great tips on how to Beat the Heat. See these websites for more information.
Australian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.au/stories/2025/extremeheatawareness/
Sweltering Cities: https://swelteringcities.org/ehad/
