An initiative to install solar panels for interested residents at both St Agnes’ Village (Lochinvar Place) and Lourdes Village (corner of Morton and Heather Streets) is underway after five years of lobbying from Barbara Westwood and Ray Evans, along with the sub-committee they established.

Barbara first raised the idea of installing solar panels at St Agnes’ Village in a letter to the Village Management in August 2019. She was concerned about the impact of hotter summer temperatures on older people, and the increased electricity costs they faced from using air-conditioning to survive the heat.

“The cost to install solar is substantial so I knew it would not benefit me financially at my age, but I thought, it will also help the environment,” says Barbara.

“I was advised by Village Management that idea would be considered as part of a masterplan being developed at that time by St Agnes’ Catholic Parish as a blueprint for the future of its aged care services.”

Ray, who has lived at St Agnes’ Village with his wife Irene for over seven years, is an active member of the Village Residents’ Committee. A keen advocate for the environment, he became involved when Barbara, recognising his skills and experience in management, asked if he could help explain the benefits of this complex, but worthwhile, project to the multiple stakeholders involved and gain their support.

Barbara and Ray, both now in their 90s, found others, including Peter Page (Chair of the Residents’ Committee) and Noeline Millward, who were interested in their efforts and formed the Residents’ Committee Solar Working Group.

“We envisioned a future that would see the Villages become more energy independent over time through residents electing to have solar installed during the introductory phase, the Parish installing panels when refurbishments were carried out and, by offering an annual program to encourage more residents to get involved,” says Ray.

Over time, several meetings were held and many people, including Village residents and Parish staff, contributed time and energy into getting the project off the ground.

“Peter Johnson was there, representing the Parish from the first meeting; and Rod Sonogan, who was manager of Property Services at that time, developed a Solar Strategy, which was particularly helpful in presenting the idea to the Board of St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle”, says Ray.

“Even though it has taken some time to get to this point, this project is a great example of how vision, collaboration, and patience can result in great outcomes.”

“I am particularly impressed that the Parish has chosen a high-quality solar panel system for this program,” he added.

Once the project got the go ahead in early 2024, Zac Monkley from Wauchope Solar, who was contracted to supply and install the first solar panels at St Agnes’ and Lourdes Villages, held an information session at the Tenison Woods Centre on 30 May. The session was for residents in both Villages who had expressed interest in having solar installed on their villas at a subsidised cost.

Peter Johnson, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Executive Manager, Risk, Quality & Continuous Improvement, says sustainability is becoming increasingly important for consumers and communities.

“Ray and Barbara are outstanding champions for sustainability and have been instrumental in helping reduce electricity consumption in our villages through the installation of rooftop solar systems,” said Peter.

“The project is ongoing and each year a ballot is conducted for interested residents where St Agnes’ Catholic Parish contributes 50% of the cost to install 10 rooftop solar systems for current residents,” added Peter.

“I wrote many letters over the years advocating for solar power in the Villages, so I am very pleased it is now coming to fruition!”, says Barbara.

“It is very satisfying to know that, through the installation of these solar panels, we are generating around 45-50% of our total electricity usage,” says Ray.

“It was Noeline Millward at one of our Solar Working Group meetings who came up with our slogan: “Together we can make a difference”, and looking back it is rewarding to know that, between all of us involved, we did just that”, he concludes.

The installation of solar panels continues as part of a budgeted annual program. The Parish’s approach to sustainability also includes exploring other renewable energy options, such as battery storage.