The Minns Labor Government is helping thousands more households lower their household bills, with another 6,000 discounted washing machines now available through its popular Washing Machine Exchange Program.
The initiative allows eligible pensioners, veterans, social housing tenants, and low-income households to trade their top-loader for a brand new 8kg water and energy-efficient front-loader for just $250.
This simple switch slashes household bills by an average of $300 a year in reduced water, electricity and detergent usage. It's also expected each participating household will save around 20,000 litres of water per household annually - enough to fill a typical backyard swimming pool.
Following overwhelming demand in previous rounds, the NSW Government has expanded the program to help more people access practical cost-of-living relief and modern, efficient appliances that would otherwise be out of reach.
The subsidised package for eligible concession card holders includes delivery to anywhere in NSW, installation, two-year warranty and the removal of the old machine for recycling, facilitated by The Good Guys Commercial.
Since launching, the $11 million Washing Machine Exchange Program has helped nearly 12,000 households upgrade their washing machines and save an estimated 233 million litres of water, enough to fill 93 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The Washing Machine Exchange is part of the NSW Water Efficiency Program which is leading the NSW Government's efforts to reduce water waste, strengthen water security and help households keep more money in their pockets.
The last two rounds saw all available washing machines snapped up within a week, which is why the program has been brought back for a third spin.
The Washing Machine Exchange Program is just one of the ways the Minns Labor Government is delivering real, practical cost-of-living support for people across New South Wales.
To check if you are eligible to apply, visit https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/our-work/projects-and-programs/water-efficiency-program/washing-machine-exchange-program.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:
"This is exactly the kind of practical support that helps people with the cost of living while delivering long-term benefits for NSW.
"The response to this program has been extraordinary with machines snapped up in next to no time and that's why we're back again with another 6,000 discounted washing machines.
"We're thrilled to be back with another round of the program, helping more people to slash their bills, save water and upgrade to a modern, efficient washing machine for just $250."
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"The return of this initiative is just another way the Minns Labor government is easing cost of living pressures across NSW.
"We owe our veterans an unpayable debt so easing their electricity bills with a new washing machine is the least we can do.
"I want to encourage all veterans to consider applying for one of these discounted washing machines."
Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:
"This has been a very popular program, so eligible seniors should get in quick if they have an old top-loader they would like to replace.
"The energy savings from the new machine also add up over the long-term, helping older people lower their household bills over time.
"This is another way the Minns Labor Government is supporting older people with the cost of living, which include discounts via the Seniors Card and $2.50 daily public transport travel."
Ashraf El-Sherbini, Executive Director of Operations Resilience, Water Group at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said:
"Modern front-loading washing machines use significantly less water than older top-loaders, so this program is one of the most effective ways households can cut their water use.
"When thousands of homes make this small switch, it amounts to millions of litres of water saved across the state, contributing to longer-term water security for NSW."
Biag Capasso, Managing Director, The Good Guys said:
"We're proud to partner with the NSW Government on a program that delivers real savings to customers through more efficient appliances.
"Our team handles everything from delivery to installation and recycling the old machine, making it a smooth experience for households in need."
