Town raises funds for community defibrillator

The community of Poowong have access to a defibrillator 24 hours a day following a joint fundraising initiative to install one at the town’s post office.

Poowong and District CWA president Dianne Crawford said the need for a defibrillator in the town available for public access had been identified at a first aid education session held for the town’s primary school students in November.

“Rosie Keane, who has been an Ambulance Victoria first response volunteer for 14 years, held an education day at the hall for the primary school students teaching them first aid and giving demonstrations on how to use a defibrillator,” she said.

“Ex-officer Gary Thompson spoke of the need for one in the town.

“There are defibrillators in the town, such as the footy club, but they’re not available for 24hour access.

“We’re a bit off the grid at Poowong, and a defibrillator is important for such a small rural area.

“The discussion was had and the Post Office was chosen as the best location.

“All defibrillators are registered so if someone rings triple zero, they can direct them to the location and they can use the defibrillator until help arrives.”

With Ambulance Victoria and Lang Lang Community Bank providing funding for the project, the Poowong and District CWA and Strzelecki Lions Club assisted in meeting the shortfall to fund the project.

Mrs Crawford thanked the Lang Lang Community Bank, which lent the community a cabinet to ensure the community weren’t left in the lurch over the summer holiday period before the new defibrillator arrived in the New Year.

“Rosie does an amazing job too,” Mrs Crawford said.

“As a first responder she covers up to 640 square kilometres.”