Hands-on first aid training

The Baw Baw Big Blokes Barbecue committee has continued to fund first aid training courses at local schools.

Each year the committee dedicates a portion of the money raised from its annual event to an initiative that brings benefit to young people and the wider community.

The Baw Baw Big Blokes Barbecue has funded the course since 2013, with year nine students in Baw Baw Shire and year eight students at Chairo Christian School completing the course over that time.

It is estimated that the course has catered for more than 5000 students.

A spokesperson for the Big Blokes Barbecue committee said the training provided the community with a great resource and contributes to a life-long learning experience for the participants.

Chairo Christian School invited Big Blokes Barbecue committee member Michael Slaughter to a recent assembly to show their appreciation of the support provided for the first aid program.

In 2018, Baw Baw Big Blokes Incorporated also funded a mental health first aid training initiative for about 500 secondary school students in Baw Baw Shire in a pilot program which will be expanded in future.

The Baw Baw Big Blokes Barbecue spokesperson said the committee believed the mental health of young people in our community is an important issue and is one that should receive its support.