Heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster.
Heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It can trigger sudden events like heart attack or stroke or can worsen existing medical conditions like kidney or lung disease.
Certain people are more at-risk, including people over the age of 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
With high temperatures predicted across our shire over this summer period, let's talk about hot weather events and how we can protect ourselves, our family, friends and neighbours from heat-related stress events.
What is the different between extreme heat and a heatwave?
Extreme heat happens when the forecast average temperature on any day is higher than the predetermined heat health temperature threshold in a Victorian weather forecast district. A heatwave is when there are three or more consecutive days of extreme heat.
Individuals who are most at risk, often due to age, illness, medication, or social isolation, are affected by isolated days of extreme heat. During heatwaves, these impacts are worsened and affect a large part of the community. Heatwaves also have negative effects on the natural, built, and economic environments, such as the compromised operation of critical infrastructure, facilities and services.
Places to keep cool
In the event you need somewhere to cool to visit on high temperature days why not consider the following community venues. Be sure to check their opening times or give them a call before visiting to ensure they are open.
Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre
Address: 49-51 Houston Street, Stawell 3380
Phone: (03) 5358 0550
St Arnaud Swimming Pool
Address: 24-32 Grant Street, St Arnaud 3478
Phone: (03) 5495 1981
Hot weather policy for outdoor pools
If the forecast predicts 35 degrees or over for the following day, both outdoor pools will be available until 8pm. Please note, extended hours will be at the discretion of the Duty Manager at the time, it will also depend on patronage and the availability of lifeguards based on the hours they have already worked.
Stawell Library
Address: Corner of Patrick and Sloane Streets, Stawell 3380
Phone: (03) 5358 1274
St Arnaud Library
Address: Municipal Offices, Napier Street, St Arnaud 3478
Phone: (03) 5495 2188
Stawell Neighbourhood House
Address: 42 Sloane Street, Stawell
Phone: (03) 5358 3500
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM
Please note, Stawell Neighbourhood House will be closed from December 19 to January 5, 2026. It may be open outside of the normal opening hours on high-heat days, however please check their Facebook page or phone (03) 5358 3500 before visiting.
Review council's Extreme Heat Plan
The Northern Grampians Shire Council has created an Extreme Heat Plan(PDF, 1MB) to protect residents from the harmful effects of extreme heat. The plan focuses on members of the community who may be most vulnerable to heat.
Preventing heat-related illness
To prevent heat-related illness, you can find more information on staying cool during a heatwave on the Department of Health and Better Health Channel websites.