lifestyle
SA’s housing standards set to soar
With the price of solar installation falling by almost 10 per cent in the past year, average households can now see a return on their investment in under three years – 12 months faster than previous predictions.
RAA General Manager of Home and Energy Ben Owen says at a time when everything is getting more expensive – including energy – solar panels are becoming more affordable.
“RAA is committed to passing wholesale savings on to customers,” Ben says.
“While we recognise purchasing a solar system is an up-front investment, you’ll immediately make savings on your energy bills or even avoid paying them altogether.”
Meanwhile, changes to the building construction code from 1 October mean homes built from late this year will be the most sustainable and accessible the state has ever seen.
New builds will be required to reach a seven-star efficiency and liveability standard and be designed to lower greenhouse gases and reduce energy consumption from heating and cooling.
Not only will this make the houses more efficient, it will also provide some relief from cost-of-living pressures. In addition, accessibility standards such as wider doors and step-free access mean mobility related home modifications, which are often expensive, can be avoided.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion says the new standards of housing will result in greener, more accessible homes for future generations.
“These new standards will benefit all South Australians, leading to cheaper energy bills and cost-of-living relief,” he says.
Learn more about RAA Solar and Battery packages here.
What do I need to know before buying a mobility scooter?
If getting from A to B has become a challenge, a mobility scooter could help you continue living life to its fullest. With many shapes, sizes and styles on the market, the decision can be overwhelming. RAA’s scooter expert and Manager of Inventory and Product Dylan Hoffmann explains what to look out for.
You’re ready to get out and about, and you’ll love your regained independence with a mobility scooter. But you probably have a few questions before making that all-important purchase.
One of the first things you need to consider is how far you’ll be travelling on your mobility scooter. Think about whether you’ll be using your scooter primarily to go to and from the local shops or if you’re wanting to travel further afield. Calculate the distance to your regular destinations so you understand your scooter’s range. If you’re a frequent flyer or like cruising, try a compact, lightweight scooter that can be folded for easy transport or storage. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time on bumpy roads, try plush seating or a rain cover so you remain dry during your outdoor adventures.
Speaking of terrain, make sure you look around and consider whether you live in a hilly area or if you need to go over rough terrain such as gravel or uneven gutters and footpaths. Mobility scooters come with a range of motor sizes, so choose a more powerful model if you need a bit more get-up-and-go for those inclines. If you’re concerned about punctures, you can choose to have solid tyres fitted.
You can drive your scooter almost anywhere. You don’t need a driver’s licence to get behind the controls. For safety reasons, it’s recommended you stick to the footpath, however you can drive on the road or in a bike lane if the footpath isn’t suitable.
Now you’ve established how you’ll use your mobility scooter, it’s time to think about comfort and style. Each scooter comes with a maximum weight capacity, and you need to consider your height and how much leg room you need. Mobility scooters come in a wide range of colours, from suave greys through to brilliant blues, so you’re sure to find a style that’ll suit you to a tee.
Finally, test drive before you buy. RAA offers a free in-home demo service in metropolitan Adelaide, so you can test your chosen mobility scooter in the comfort of your home environment and nearby surrounds.
Want to try a mobility scooter? Call 1800 251 254 for expert advice or visit the website for more information.
Make mischief with Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Come as you are – or as who you wish to be – when the Adelaide Cabaret Festival shimmies back into the limelight this June. Performers from all over the globe will take to the stage from 7–22 June, with a mammoth 79 performances, 17 world premieres and 23 Adelaide premieres.
Turning 24 in 2024, the biggest cabaret festival in the world will be directed by award-winning Australian personality Virginia Gay (pictured). The screen-and-stage star has curated a cabaret program of game-changing iconic acts that’ll blow your mind including, as Virginia says, “bonkers improvised musicals and exceptional musical comedy; inventive theatrical experiences and live cult podcasts”.
“This festival is what I want the whole world to feel like. [It’s] a celebration of community and abundance, togetherness through individuality, in all its sparkling joy.”
Headline acts include Broadway sensation Patti LuPone debuting A Life in Notes a celebration of the late Dame Olivia Newton-John with David Campbell and guests; and South Australia’s own Annabel Crabb presenting Chat 10 Looks 3 Live – a special cabaret edition of her popular podcast.
SA dominates International Wine Awards
South Australian wine producers took home 40 of 41 medals won by Australians at the Grand International Wine Awards held in Germany in March.
The event saw wines from 45 nations judged by a team of more than 250 global wine experts.
Clare Valley’s Taylors Wines was lauded Best Producer from Australia, winning two trophies, a Grand Gold medal and nine Gold medals across their range.
Other medal-winning wineries included Château Tanunda, Sidewood Estate and Penny’s Hill Estate.
SA produces almost 80% of Australia's premium wine.
IMAGES: Getty, RAA, Claudio Raschella.
