UNSW honours student Aidan Alexander was invited to Walgett to work with DEG to scope energy needs of Walgett's Aboriginal community from early 2016.
DEG wanted evidence for why energy is increasingly driving poverty in Walgett. Key recommendations of Aidan Alexander's report include the need for a community-based energy troubleshooter position, replacement of energy-guzzling older appliances, housing repairs, insulation and solar solutions. Outcomes so far include NSW Aboriginal Housing Office rolling out solar to their Walgett and other NSW social housing, and considering the energy efficiency of their ageing housing stock. Yuwaya Ngarrali is building upon this project and working towards all Walgett social housing "going solar" including solar storage solutions, housing insulation and a showcase energy-efficient social housing building design trial project. Stay tuned!
