AS South East Queensland endures another brutal summer, elderly war widows living in Ipswich are facing an impossible choice: endure dangerous heat or risk unaffordable power bills.
Ipswich Legacy says the need for solar power at its Legacy Court units has become a matter of health, dignity and community responsibility.
The charity supports more than 350 widows of veterans across a wide region from Gailes to Helidon and Yarraman to Rathdowney. At Legacy Court, 18 war widows live independently in purpose-built units – most in their 80s and 90s.
While the units are fitted with air-conditioning, many residents are reluctant to use it, worried that running cooling during heatwaves will leave them unable to pay their next electricity bill.
For resident Dot, who already has solar panels installed, the benefits have been life-changing.
“They’re brilliant,” she said.
“They help keep my unit cooler just by being on the roof, and they’ve made a real difference to my power bills. It gives you peace of mind.”
Dot believes every unit should be fitted with solar.
“It would take so much pressure off everyone,” she said.
“For people living on fixed incomes, it would make budgeting each week far less stressful.”
Others are already feeling the financial strain. Fellow resident Betty said quarterly electricity bills can climb to between $300 and $400.
“That’s a lot of money when you’re on a pension,” she said.
“I’m fortunate my daughter helps me, but solar would make a big difference and help keep the unit cooler and more energy efficient.”
Ipswich Legacy president Donna Reggett said the situation is becoming increasingly urgent as temperatures rise.
“Our oldest resident here is 98, and she worries even thinking about turning on the air-conditioning,” Ms Reggett said.
“Fans just don’t cut it in this heat. For women in their 80s and 90s, this isn’t just about comfort – it’s a serious health risk.”
Ms Reggett said solar power would allow residents to cool their homes safely without the constant anxiety of cost.
“Solar would change everything,” she said. “It means they could use air-conditioning when they need it, not sit there worrying about the next power bill.
Ipswich Legacy hopes to install solar systems on all 18 units at Legacy Court, but the charity cannot fund the project alone.
More than $60,000 has recently been spent on essential security fencing and camera upgrades.
“That work was non-negotiable,” Ms Reggett said. “But it means we now need the community to step in if we’re going to make solar a reality.”
She said the call is not just for donations, but for practical support from solar companies, electricians and local businesses willing to contribute materials, expertise or installation assistance.
Anyone who can help – whether through funding, in-kind support or professional services – can contact Ms Reggett on 0430 166 070 or via email at [email protected].
