Climate projections for New South Wales indicate an increase in the number of hot days, with more days exceeding 40 °C and a rising frequency of heatwave events. Overall rainfall is expected to decline; however, rainfall events are likely to become more intense and occur over shorter periods. Aboriginal populations are disproportionately exposed to these climate extremes—including heat, heavy rainfall, and drought—and this inequity is projected to intensify over coming decades as climate change progresses.
Housing conditions are increasingly recognised as a critical factor in climate change adaptation. There is growing focus on improving Aboriginal housing through modifications and energy-efficiency retrofit projects, such as those undertaken in the APY Lands - Race for 2030, which demonstrate draught-proofing and insulation improvements can deliver greater thermal comfort as well as energy savings for residents. They are complemented by decision-ready tools developed in the NT such as Cool Living, which translates evidence into practical retrofit priorities.
Evidence from the literature also highlights that improved housing conditions contribute to better health outcomes, by reducing exposure to changing weather patterns and extreme climate events.
Drawing on data from Housing for Health (HfH) Survey Fix Projects, the NSW Health Aboriginal Environmental Health Unit explored how housing can be better prepared for extreme weather and adapted to diverse climate conditions. The work also explored how the existing HfH methodology and project delivery could incorporate climate adaptation strategies.
The approach prioritised passive design strategies before introducing active systems or ongoing costs for tenants and housing providers. This ensured that improvements were sustainable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective.
This presentation highlights practical, implemented initiatives across four NSW communities, each addressing multiple Healthy Living Practices.
Key outcomes include the replacement of carpet floor covering with vinyl in Community A (11 houses) to improve thermal performance, reduce allergens, and improve indoor air quality and hygiene. In Community B (15 houses), insulation upgrades were completed to enhance indoor temperature comfort. Community C (16 houses) received window fly-screens to improve natural ventilation, while reducing pest entry. In Community D, window shading and draught-proofing measures were installed to minimise heat gain and loss. Collectively, these targeted improvements have contributed to enhanced thermal comfort, reduced environmental health risks and strengthened climate resilience across participating homes.
With increasing climate extremes and hotter summers projected, this presentation aims to leave participants with practical and actionable insights. It encourages the exploration of ideas, sharing of knowledge and tools, and consideration of how communities can live sustainably and maintain healthy communities. The presentation highlights evidence-based retrofit prioritisation works, the value of passive upgrade works and most importantly, the importance of locally feasible and resource-appropriate solutions.