Carrington Cottages is a softly aged brick and stone nineteenth century building in the Adelaide City. It proudly wears its heritage listing with a recent renovation that has claimed newfound grandeur in line with many of the old buildings so prevalent in the area. Behind its doors it is a place to call home for around 60 men all over the age of 45 that are transitioning from being homeless to independent living. These men have come from all walks of life and backgrounds. From Managers and ex-military to tradespeople and new immigrants. The one thing they share in common is that at some stage in their lives they have endured homelessness and the issues that can lead to homelessness. Physically and emotionally buffeted by the loss of work, of partners, of families, of friends and of self esteem. In many ways this group of men have been left out in the cold regarding targeted support and Carrington has given them a means to get by and so start to reconnect with work, friends, their families and in many cases themselves.
It was in 1989 that the now legendary tough-minded nun Sr Betty Schonfeldt was appointed administrator of Carrington. It was her birthday the day she was handed the keys to run Carrington Cottages and immediately walked into the courtyard to break up a brawl between two large men. The sight of this petite nun walking fearlessly into the turmoil immediately set the new tone for what has become a place where hundreds of men’s lives have been turned around. Sr Betty has handed on the keys to new management but still regularly visits and keeps in close contact with a range of social activities for the tenants.
Shaunee Fox is a relatively new appointment to the position of General Manager of Carrington and her team of Alex Hark and Steve are ex-residents who show great desire and energy to keep the good will of hope within the walls, helping the residents manage and keep some order. The fact that they understand and have “been there” goes a long way in acceptance and being that important listening ear for when someone is able to talk more openly about their issues, in their own way and at their own pace.
With the renovation Carrington Cottages now starts its fourth decade of helping homeless men with the same commitment to repairing these men’s lives by organising social activities, transport to medical and welfare appointments and professional services when needed. After closing some of the rooms for the refit they are now reopen and operating to capacity.
Carrington is a not for profit association that provides boarding house accommodation for men 45+. It has 60 rooms with tenants sharing kitchens, bathrooms and backyard recreational areas. Oz Harvest supplies fresh fruit and veggies as well as some groceries so there is good food available if needed for free.
Ex-resident Steve is now one of the staff. He’s ex-military and you can see it in his manner and booming vocal cords. He openly talks of how in a relatively short period of time he lost his job, his wife and his house and found himself on the streets living rough. At one stage living in a cardboard box in Port Adelaide. Quite the showman Steve recently started playing his guitar out the back one Friday afternoon and was surprised by how many of the residents came down to sing along. This has now grown into a regular event and being a self-confessed people watcher I spent a few good hours with the audience of around 30 residents and their friends. Looking around you can see the tell tale signs of men in various states of repair. Quite a few visiting ex-residents who had reconnected with work and families, some even studying at University, had reinvigorated life in their eyes. As the evening progressed even the quiet newbies finding something that sparked a flourish of response or a vocal chorus outburst or two.
The surprising thing to me was the willingness for some of these men to talk about their issues amongst the group. The further along the journey of repair the more confidently they speak about their past to one another. Most talk of the impact that homelessness has had in tearing down what they projected as themselves to the world. When you go from that perception to a cardboard box dignity can be a fragile word.
As Steve says, “…without a place to live you can’t connect with the world. The system requires you to have a home. Carrington Cottages enabled me to reconnect with the world so I don’t feel that loss of pride anymore”.
Alex Hark a long time volunteer and ex-resident of Carrington related that it’s not just living rough these days. It has become very dangerous out there with the threat of being bashed or robbed or both. More work needs to be done to provide those people living rough a safe place to live such as Carrington Cottages.
Thanks to Shaunee, Steve and Alex
Important Update
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50 Ways to Save This Christmas
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also come with financial stress. From expensive gifts to lavish dinners and decorations, the costs can quickly add up. However, with thoughtful planning, creativity, and a focus on meaningful moments rather than extravagant spending, you can enjoy a magical Christmas without breaking the bank. This guide will show you how to save on gifts, food, decorations, and more, while still making the season special. Whether you’re looking to cut costs on presents, host an affordable dinner, or find ways to decorate your home on a budget, these tips will help you make the most of the holidays without overspending.
Here's some tips to start:
Borrow or Swap Items
Need something special for your Christmas celebration? Borrow from friends or family instead of buying new. Whether it’s a serving dish or decorations, sharing saves money and resources.
Embrace Free Fun
Focus on free or low-cost traditions like watching Christmas movies, driving around to see holiday lights, or hosting a board game night. Sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones.
Remember, saving money this Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing joy or festive spirit. By planning ahead, getting creative, and prioritising what truly matters, you can celebrate the season without financial stress. Whether it’s through thoughtful gifting, resourceful decorations, or embracing community events, these tips will help you enjoy a budget-friendly holiday that’s rich in meaning.
You can sort Christmas savings tips by category below.
Understanding Electricity Costs and Renewable Energy in 2025
The way Australians generate and use electricity is evolving rapidly, with a significant shift toward renewable energy sources. South Australia, once known for power shortages, became the first major jurisdiction to be powered entirely by solar energy—a remarkable milestone. As renewable energy technology becomes more widespread, you may wonder: 'will electricity become cheaper, and what steps can I take to reduce their bills today?'
The answer is promising: electricity costs are expected to decrease over time, but you can start saving now with smarter energy habits, better provider choices, and a deeper understanding of your rights as a consumer.
Your Rights as an Energy Consumer
As an energy customer in Australia, you’re protected by laws that govern your dealings with energy retailers and distributors. These rights ensure transparency, fair pricing, and access to essential energy services. Familiarising yourself with these regulations helps you make informed decisions when choosing providers and addressing billing concerns.
Choosing the Right Energy Provider
1. Use Energy Made Easy
The Energy Made Easy website is a free government service that allows households and small businesses to compare electricity and gas plans. Simply input your details to view a range of offers that suit your energy usage and location. You can also contact them directly at 1300 585 165 for assistance.
2. Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating energy plans, don’t focus solely on price. Keep these factors in mind:
- Contract Length: Are you locked into a long-term agreement, or can you switch plans easily?
- Fees and Discounts: Look out for hidden fees or discounts that may expire after a set period.
- Special Deals: Some plans offer incentives like sign-up bonuses or rebates, but read the fine print to understand long-term costs.
3. Time-of-Use Tariffs
Did you know the time you use energy can affect how much you pay? Time-of-use tariffs mean energy costs vary depending on peak and off-peak periods. Adjusting your habits, like running appliances during off-peak times, can lead to substantial savings. In South Australia, off peak times for residential is 10am - 3pm.
4. Specific Plan Types
Certain plans may cater to your unique situation:
- Smart Meter Plans: These allow for detailed tracking of your energy use.
- GreenPower Plans: For those committed to renewable energy, these plans offset your consumption with sustainable energy sources.
- Solar Energy Plans: If you have solar panels, look for plans with competitive feed-in tariffs.
- Regional Plans: Some plans are better suited for urban or rural areas, depending on infrastructure.
Reducing Energy Usage to Lower Bills
One of the simplest ways to save money on electricity is to use less of it. Conducting a home energy audit can help identify energy inefficiencies and opportunities to save. You can conduct this audit yourself by borrowing a free Home Energy Audit Toolkit from your local library.
Living Areas
- In Summer: Close windows, doors, curtains, and blinds during the day to keep the heat out. Use fans instead of air conditioners when possible, and if using air conditioning, set it to 26°C.
- In Winter: Seal draughts by closing windows and curtains. Set central heating to 18°C.
- Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED lights and turn them off when not in use.
- Standby Power: Switch off appliances at the wall to eliminate standby power usage.
Kitchen
- Ensure adequate space around your fridge for ventilation and check that its seals close firmly.
- Cover pots and pans when cooking to retain heat and reduce energy use.
- Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Bathroom and Laundry
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. If using hot water, set it to 60°C.
- Dry clothes on a line instead of using a dryer.
- Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water usage and aim for showers no longer than four minutes.
Accessing Financial Help for Energy Bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, financial assistance may be available. Options include:
- Temporary or ongoing bill relief through government programs.
- Guidance from us at Affordable SA, call us today on 1800 025 539.
Additionally, explore our Utilities Programs listed on Affordable SA, which provide tailored solutions for reducing energy costs and managing bill payments.
The Future of Renewable Energy and Costs
As renewable energy becomes the backbone of Australia’s power grid, the overall cost of electricity is projected to decline. Solar power, wind energy, and advancements in battery storage are paving the way for a greener, more affordable future. Programs such as GreenPower and feed-in tariffs for solar customers offer opportunities to actively participate in this transition while saving money.
However, the key to maximising these savings lies in understanding your energy consumption and making adjustments today. By selecting the right provider, using energy-efficient appliances, and tapping into available support programs, you can enjoy both immediate savings and long-term benefits as Australia transitions to a renewable energy future.