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Community, Energy

Charging ahead: Western Sydney families turn to clean energy to save on fuel and power bills

Parents for Climate Action 3 mins read

25th May, 2026

RYDALMERE, NSW – As Western Sydney households continue to feel the pinch of rising fuel and energy costs, local families are taking matters into their own hands to discover how home electrification and electric vehicles (EVs) can drastically cut their cost of living.

On Saturday 30 May, the City of Parramatta Council and Parents for Climate Western Sydney are joining forces to host a free, family-friendly EV & Home Electrification Showcase in Rydalmere.

Coming just ahead of World Environment Day, the event highlights how local communities are choosing to embrace clean energy solutions that protect both the environment and the family budget.

Local father of 1 and Parents for Climate Western Sydney organiser, Reuben Schwarz said the event is designed to demystify clean energy technology for everyday suburban families.

"Western Sydney families are doing it tough with the cost of living right now, but switching to electric appliances and vehicles is one of the most effective ways to permanently slash household bills," said Reuben. 

"This event is about practical, local climate solutions that help our families cut their cost of living while securing a safer, cleaner climate for our kids'. We’ve had an overwhelming response to this event and have had to bring in a waitlist. It is clear from the response that our community is hungry for solutions."

The event will transform the City of Parramatta Rydalmere Operations Centre into a hub of interactive technology and family fun. Attendees will be able to sit in and explore 10 different electric vehicles, chat directly with independent electrification experts, and learn about solar panels, home batteries, and smart EV charging.

To keep the kids entertained, the showcase will feature solar-powered slot car racing, face painting, crafts, and free popcorn powered by an EV.

An expert panel and Q&A session at 11:30am will feature Jennifer Neil-Smith (Chair of the NSW branch of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association), alongside a City of Parramatta Council representative and energy industry specialists to answer the community's questions about grid capacity, charging costs, and solar setups.

The showcase is supported by stalls from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Parents for Climate, alongside local solar installers, an EV charging startup, and a Sydney-based electric moped company.


Event Details:

  • What: EV & Home Electrification Showcase (Free community event)

  • Date: Saturday 30 May 2026

  • Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm (Expert Q&A Panel at 11:30am)

  • Location: City of Parramatta Rydalmere Operations Centre, 316 Victoria Rd, Rydalmere (behind Bunnings)

  • More details: Parramatta Council Events Page.


Media Note: Photo & Interview Opportunities

Journalists, photographers, and camera crews are invited to attend the event.

Visual & Photo Opportunities (On-site 10:30am–12:30pm):

  • EV lineup: 10 diverse electric vehicles lined up with local Western Sydney families and children.

  • Kid-powered clean energy: Children operating the solar-powered slot car racing track and enjoying free popcorn powered directly by an EV vehicle-to-load (V2L) battery setup.

  • Tech demos: Live demonstrations of a solar canopy charging station.

Available for Interview:

  • Local Western Sydney parents and families attending the event.

  • Parents for Climate Western Sydney event organiser, Reuben Schwarz.

  • Jennifer Neil-Smith, Chair of the NSW branch of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association.

  • City of Parramatta Council spokespeople and energy industry experts.

Media Contact:

  • Name: Reuben Schwarz

  • Role: Event organiser, Parents for Climate Western Sydney volunteer coordinator

  • Phone: 0411 630 348 

  • Email: [email protected] 


ABOUT PARENTS FOR CLIMATE

Parents for Climate represents over 25,000 parents, grandparents and carers from across Australia. We are Australia’s leading organisation for parents advocating for a safe climate. Our supporters are from across the political spectrum, across all Australian electorates, and from varied socio-economic backgrounds. We seek non-partisan responses to climate change and its impacts.

For more information, visit www.parentsforclimate.org


Contact details:

Reuben Schwarz - 0411 630 348 - [email protected] - Event organiser, Parents for Climate Western Sydney volunteer coordinator

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