Heatwaves can be isolating. But there are ways to find community and help

"We need to learn from how heat brings people together so we can go through difficult times together." 

That's the message from Lucy Cox, an Aboriginal musician from Broome in WA's Kimberley.

Lucy moved to Perth/Boorloo 40 years ago.

"Home is in Broome. They didn't have facilities for wheelchairs then, so I decided to come to Perth. And being a musician, I came here to do some study."

During that time, Lucy has noticed that heat is different in the capital of WA.

"With the heat in Broome you can sort of handle it. It's got sea breeze as well."

'Don't sit on your own, ask for help'

If you're affected by heat and are feeling isolated, Lucy says you should lean on the help and company of others.

"See friends and don't sit on your own; ask for help. They can take you to their place if they have an air conditioner. Get in contact with someone, even if it's your next-door neighbour.

Lucy also turns to music. "Music has the power to connect people through the lyrics," she says.

"Most of my songs are from growing up listening to country music and reggae."

Finding refuge and togetherness under trees

Trees don't just keep us and our cities cool; for Lucy they symbolise togetherness and family.

"My dad bought a block of land in Broome and every Christmas since I was eight we had a table with food. The family and anybody who walked by united under the mango tree. Dad was very respected.

"I'm the youngest of 11 and my mum planted 11 mango trees, one for each child, and there was one on the side of the house for the year I got sick in 1980, so an extra mango tree.

"Trees can help keep you cool. [Gum trees] provide lovely shade — they make like a little house, how they grow the leaves and the branches. Sometimes you don't need to bring a shade umbrella, you just camp in there.

"You usually find them when you go bush fishing. You can cook with the bark, put your food in it, fish or whatever you catch, and throw it in the coal just like alfoil."

Heat can be a good and bad thing

"My grandson Zamarn reminds me that heat is something that can be a good and a bad thing," Lucy says.

"The heat from the sun can be too much most of the time but the heat from sitting around a campfire symbolises togetherness," he says.

"Every time we have a campfire everybody is around the fire telling stories and singing songs. It symbolises happiness, joy, warmth, love, caring, everything."

Lucy Cox is an Aboriginal musician from Broome/Rubibi. You can find Lucy's music here.

Wildaliz De Jesús is a Boricua writer living with multiple sclerosis. She is currently based in Perth/Whadjuk Noongar Land.

The ABC is partnering with International Day of People with Disability to recognise the contributions and achievements of the 4.4 million Australians with disability.