Anoop Sud is one of Sweltering Cities’ most active supporters in Western Sydney. Our Western Sydney Community Campaigner recently caught up with Anoop and his partner, Neeru. It was great to hear more about his life experiences, his current volunteer work and the changes he’d like to see and work towards in his local community.
After a very busy and successful career which saw Anoop and his family living all over the world, Anoop is now retired and living in the Western Sydney suburb of Stanhope Gardens. He generously contributes his time to volunteering with a variety of organisations and sits on advisory boards providing valuable input, all in the pursuit of making a positive difference to his community.
To stay fit, Anoop likes to walk around his community and make the most of the parks, ovals and other green spaces but one of the big problems he sees is the total lack of amenities available to visitors of the parks. Although the ovals usually do have amenity blocks, they are always locked unless a game is in progress. Without access to these facilities it is very difficult for people to spend time in and use them, especially families and seniors. Our communities rely on public green spaces, they play a vital role in promoting community wellness, encouraging activity and providing safe gathering places. Anoop hopes to encourage his local council, Blacktown City Council, to remedy this situation by making the local parks and green spaces more accessible for everyone.
Anoop and Neeru.
Anoop has been involved in many Sweltering Cities campaigns, such as our #BustedBusStops or attending the Heatwaves, Health and Hot Homes event in Penrith where he spoke about his experiences living in Western Sydney. Anoop has also shared his story with the media and been featured in articles in the ABC and more. He has taken up issues related to extreme heat with local decision makers to demonstrate the community need for cooler suburbs and safe homes.
As summer heats up, Sweltering Cities is launching our Heatwave Check-In program. As we’ve developed the program, Anoop has shared his story of a network of friends and contacts who stay connected to keep each other safe. He is part of an international WhatsApp check in group amongst his friends, where if someone doesn’t respond for two days, someone will visit them at home to make sure they are ok. When Sweltering cities caught up with Anoop, we talked about the many benefits this quick morning check in provides for people who are on their own or isolated. We’ll be using Anoop’s experiences and knowledge as we grow the Heatwave Check-In program.
Anoop speaking at our Heatwaves, Heatwaves, Health and Hot Homes community forum in Penrith, March 2023.
Sweltering Cities is a people powered organisation, and it’s our amazing supporters like Anoop who keep us going. Thanks to everyone who has shared their story, come to an event, or spoken up about heat issues in their local community.
