It's festival time in Adelaide and as usual the Fringe sounds the starting gun tonight with its Opening street party and continues with a colossal line up of artists and events running from 16th Feb to the 18th March.
The good thing about living in a festival town is that there is quite a lot of great free stuff surrounding the main acts. Festivals receive quite a lot of public money so always include a lot of free entertainment, street performance and challenging installation works for all to experience. It's all part of the festival atmosphere which could be in an alley way, a tent, pub, Laundromat or Airport terminal?
Even the buskers in Rundle mall are seasoned festival pros and well worth the gold coin you may need to give up to interrupt your shopping. For the last week the oversized luggage pick up at the airport has seen a constant stream of guitars and instrument flight cases pouring off the incoming planes and performers easily spotted by their artistic hair and flair as they Uber their way to old Adelaide town.
The festival glow can be somewhat diminished when you have little to spend and the big-ticket artists are of course, at big-ticket prices. Many people can barely afford the loose change for the hard working street performers and taking a family out to a big night out can put quite a severe dent in your finances. Great artists and performers provide so much inspiration for us and who couldn't do with a good laugh or diversion from the hardship and struggle economics most of us have experienced lately with the cost of living blues.
If you're going to struggle to pay for the festival experience then you need to get you and the family to some of the free stuff on offer. The Fringe starts with the Opening night and street party. This Free event always has big entertainment including the night market which is a good scene setter for your budget festival spending. Fringe in the Mall brings some of the acts free to the people in Rundle Mall. Pull up a pig and enjoy.
A must for the younger kids is the walk down North Terrace for The parade of light where the iconic buildings of North Terrace are transformed into something quite special. If you took the kids to see the "Lights of Lobethal" then this is nothing like that. The LOL is a B&W Western and this is Star Wars with CGI. Bring a few snacks for the kids and the family as you can spend quite a long time seeing all the intrecacies. Starting at 8.30 and finishing at midnight you can usually find somewhere to park within walking distance for a late night cheap family outing.
Offered again this year is the GooseChase which is a free download app scavenger hunt with missions, puzzles and tasks to earn points.
The Fringe is a massive undertaking and the only way to expand is out. This year there are more Regional events planned. Kangaroo Island, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Mount Gambier all have free events and the Adelaide Hills lower their glasses long enough to get into the swing of things with their own local shows. Even the Adelaide Airport will keep the many arriving tourists and daily travelling jet set amused with performers that will not go unnoticed or possibly arrested.
In the end it's all about us having a good time, appreciating and supporting the artists. The fringe is partly the artist being entrepreneurial and some artists will walk away with very little in order to get their talents on show. So purchasing at least one ticket during the festival is always a good show of support for the arts. You can get the best deals by signing up to receive the daily festival email and be ready to pounce on the half priced tickets offered each day. You can go online to see whats on but there is nothing like thumbing through the enormous paper guide, which has become in itself a festival tradition.
The other advantage to seek out is the fringe membership which for under $20 will get you in to a host of special events that include show highlights with big names uttering a few classic lines from their usual monologue to help sell the shows as well as other free stuff.
All this festival frivolity is leading us up to the frantic antics of the State election which may go unnoticed buried between festival acts and Womad or stalled somewhere on the chicane of the Adelaide 500. Mad March in South Australia will be madder than ever with this election shaping up as a real three-ring circus.
Important Update
As of January 1st, 2025 the Affordable SA app will no longer be available. If you're looking for assistance or to connect with programs and services near you, please refer to our website: affordablesa.com.au, to access the assistance you need.
Affordable SA will still be available as a FREE service via website, where you can find all the services you need, in the palm of your hand.
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.