I love it when people show up here for a few years and then think
they're the experts... even after they've moved. But then, many
people fail to notice there is life in the desert too.

My dear Australian friend. You and I have pretty much the same
climate. Since I am somehow able to make compost in my baking desert
heat I will assume the best; that you can too.

Have you had luck rigging up any shade for your pile? My compost is
in a corner of the yard where it has mostly shade. I only water it
every few weeks. It is not wet, it's just slightly moist (like a
squeezed out sponge). I try to turn it every week or two. I have
lovely compost in the bottom of the bin right now. AND there are also
WORMS in my California compost!

Heat is OK. Don't forget that compost heats up when it cooks. It's
not just hot from the sun it should be cooking as things decompose, so
take that as a good sign. Relax, part of the fun of gardening is
trying things out. You will get the hang of this, sometimes it just
takes a little trial and error.

Don't worry, the Navajo have grow food in the desert for thousands of
years. We can too!