Keeping Cool

branches of a tree against a blue sky on a sunny day

Keep cool this summer

Top tips to beat the heat:

  1. Seek out shady spaces. As well as providing shade, trees cool the air through evapotranspiration.
  2. Shade your home with leafy trees or climbing vines, especially from the hot afternoon sun.
  3. Deciduous trees on the northern side of your home can provide summer shade, while letting in the winter sun.
  4. If you can't shade with greenery, consider using external blinds or portable umbrellas to stop the sun reaching your windows.
  5. Close indoor curtains or blinds.    
  6. Switch on the sprinklers in the morning or evening to help drop the temperature.
  7. Spend time in cool places, like the City of Unley Libraries, Community Centres, Unley Swimming Centre or local shops. 

 

Other ways to cool your home and reduce energy costs:

  • Use fans to keep the air moving.
  • When using a refrigerative air conditioner, close doors to create smaller areas to cool.
  • Set your air conditioner to 24-26°C (or as high as is comfortable for you) to reduce running costs.
  • Install insulation.

 

Learn more:

Heatwaves and extreme heat

Extreme heat can be deadly with heatwaves causing more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard. Before a heatwave hits, make sure you know how to keep yourself, loved ones, neighbours and pets cool and safe.

Visit SA Health – Healthy in the Heat for information on what to do before and during a heatwave.

  1. Drink lots of water
  2. Use an air conditioner or fan
  3. Avoid going out in the heat
  4. Seek shade
  5. Cool off with a shower or bath
  6. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
  7. Hot cars can be deadly. Do not leave vulnerable people or pets in cars.

 

Looking after yourself and others.

While extreme heat can affect everyone, some members of the community are more at risk. SA Health – Healthy in the Heat has simple information for older people, babies and children, people who are pregnant, and people with chronic or mental health conditions. Translated resources are also available in a range of languages. 

  • Know if members of your family, friends or neighbours are at particular risk in the heat and make a plan to check on them regularly.
  • People in the community at risk can register for a daily check-in phone call with Red Cross via Telecross REDi (SA)
  • Know the signs and what to do for heat-related illness, such as dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke.

Cool Spaces

This summer our libraries (Unley and Goodwood) and community centres (Fullarton Park and Unley) will provide Cool Spaces during severe or extreme heatwaves (as declared by the State Emergency Service).

Everyone is welcome to spend time relaxing in the air-conditioned facilities, during existing opening hours. 

With four sites across the City of Unley and a range of opening hours, consider if attending a Cool Space is the right option for you. We recommend people avoid travelling in the hottest part of the day.

Community centre and library opening hours:

Mondays
  • Goodwood Library: 10.30am-5pm
  • Unley Library: 1pm-6pm
  • Unley Community Centre: 8.30am-4.30pm
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre: 8.30am-5pm
Tuesdays
  • Goodwood Library: 10am-6pm
  • Unley Library: 10am-6pm
  • Unley Community Centre: 8.30am-4.30pm
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre: 8.30am-5pm
Wednesdays
  • Goodwood Library: 1pm-5pm
  • Unley Library: 10am-6pm
  • Unley Community Centre: closed
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre: 8.30am-5pm
Thursdays
  • Goodwood Library: 10am-6pm
  • Unley Library: 10am-8pm
  • Unley Community Centre: 8.30am-4.30pm
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre: 8.30am-5pm
Fridays
  • Goodwood Library: 10am-5pm
  • Unley Library: 10am-6pm
  • Unley Community Centre: 8.30am-4.30pm
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre: 8.30am-5pm
Saturdays
  • Goodwood Library: 10am-1pm
  • Unley Library: 10am-4pm
  • Unley Community Centre: closed
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre: closed
Sundays
  • Goodwood Library: closed
  • Unley Library: 2pm-5pm
  • Unley Community Centre: closed
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre: closed
Festive Season Closures

The following changes apply to opening hours over the festive season: 

  • Goodwood Library will close at 3pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopens 10.30am Monday 5 January 2026.
  • Unley Community Centre will close at 4.30pm Friday 19 December and reopen 8.30am Monday 12 January 2026.
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre will close at 4pm Friday 19 December and reopen 8.30am Wednesday 14 January 2026.
  • Please see Christmas in the libraries for Unley Library opening hours.

All libraries and community centres are closed on public holidays.

 

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