Community Project: Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre

The tag says “Out of Service” and we’re thrilled to report that this gas meter is indeed out of service because we’ve just supported Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre to completely get off gas.

No more gas!

For anyone concerned about the climate crisis, the news from the US could not be worse but with this local project we can demonstrate that, despite Trump, the local energy transition to 100% renewables continues!

Inner West Community Energy donated just under $4000 in June to the Women’s Health Centre, being half the cost of two reverse-cycle air conditioners, which allowed them to dispose of their gas heaters, the last remaining gas appliances. 

And now, the gas has been disconnected.

This story began two years ago when IWCE applied through the office of Anthony Albanese for a grant through the Stronger Communities program for rooftop solar. That was successful, then architects FJMT Studio topped up the grant to allow us to install not just rooftop solar but also a battery and electric heat pump hot water. 

“We’re very excited to be officially disconnected from gas and running on solar and battery for most of the day, every day.” says Ses Salmond, the Centre’s Manager, pictured here by the hot water tank.

Ses next to the Centre’s new efficient hot water heating system.

“Transitioning off gas has reduced carbon monoxide risks and we have a safer internal environment for all staff working in the building. Our new reverse cycle air conditioning units work efficiently, and we have the added benefit of cooling the building in the summer months as well as heating in winter.”