Lessons on How to Keep Cool from Our Extreme Heat Preparedness Workshops

Summer’s just around the corner, and for communities across Western Sydney, that means preparing for extreme heat. Recently, we teamed up with the Red Cross,  Bureau of Meteorology, and  Dr. Lai   from Bankstown Hospital to host an Extreme Heat Preparedness Workshop in Lakemba.

It was all about empowering residents with simple, affordable tips to stay cool, safe, and comfortable during heatwaves.

Here’s what went down at our Extreme Heat Preparedness Workshop—and how councils like yours can make a big impact by bringing workshops like this to your communities.

Extreme Heat Matters

Recent research by the Red Cross highlights Western Sydney as one of the highest-risk areas for heatwaves and climate-fuelled extreme heat events. With these risks on the rise, communities need practical, affordable strategies to stay safe. Workshops like ours offer real-world solutions that residents can start using right away.

Workshop Highlights

Our workshop was packed with practical tips, demonstrations, and a collaborative Q&A session that left participants feeling confident and prepared. Here are some of the quick tips we shared:

• Bubble-Wrap Windows: A cheap, DIY way to insulate your home.
• Homemade Air Cooler: Pair a fan with frozen water bottles for quick relief.
• Cool Room Strategy: Keep one room shaded, draught-proofed, and comfy.
• Draught Proofing: Use door snakes and caulking to seal gaps
• Stay Airflow Smart: Combine fans with a mist spray to cool down fast.

Relocation Plan: Know where to go if staying home isn’t safe—libraries, malls, or community centers with AC.

This Workshop Works

Workshops like these are practical, interactive, and community-focused. We received great feedback from attendees, including this from Ilona at Canterbury Bankstown Council:

“We enjoyed the way Good for the Hood engaged with the audience, and the facilitation of Q&A was great.”

Our sessions combine behaviour change expertise with hands-on demonstrations, making the content easy to understand and act on.

Councils Can Lead the Way

By hosting workshops like ours, councils can:

• Equip residents with practical strategies to stay safe during heatwaves.
• Show their commitment to community well-being.
• Foster engagement and collaboration between local organisations and experts.
  

Let’s Work Together

Want to host a workshop like this in your area? We’re Australia’s leading sustainability educators, with years of experience in behaviour change, community development, and sustainability communications.

Let’s help your residents beat the heat.

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your community!