A group of local businesses and organisations are doing their part to help keep the community safe after championing the Defib Hero program and purchasing lifesaving machines to be placed in publicly accessible spaces in the region.
In November 2023, Council was the first community in Australia to launch the program with Heart 180 founder, Guy Leech.
The initiative seeks to activate the community to not only gain access to a defib, but to learn the necessary skills to confidently use a defibrillator in an emergency.
The goal is to ensure every resident has access to a defibrillator within three minutes anywhere in the region.
In January this year, Council invited businesses to express their interest in receiving a $1,000 grant towards purchasing a publicly accessible machine.
Council Community Liveability, Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Carmen McEneany said 17 eligible community organisations responded to be part of the lifesaving program.
“Seeing a diverse array of organisations put their hand up to have this type of medical equipment available to the whole community is a testament to our region’s spirit and nature,” she said.
“We want to ensure the region remains safe for all residents, so ensuring that there is appropriate access to lifesaving equipment like this is paramount to our community.”
Bundaberg Region’s Defib Hero grant recipients:
- Bundaberg & District Junior Tennis Association
- Gin Gin Field Archers Inc
- The Apostolic Church of Queensland – Bundaberg Community
- Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church
- QCWA Oakwood Branch
- Coral Coast Uniting Church
- QLD Police Service, Gin Gin Police Station
- Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia
- Bingera Football Club
- Bucca Hall Recreation Club
Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) have operated a caravan park in Bundaberg for six years now, with their core visitors being grey nomads.
CMCA Business Development Officer, Sean Constable said that this program has enabled their not-for-profit organisation to put into action a conversation they’ve been having internally for a while, but it was cost prohibitive for them.
“We get about 15,000 visitors a year at this park. Hopefully we’ll never need to use the defib, but if it saves a life, then it’s a great thing.”
More about the Defib Hero Community Program
To become a world leader in defib accessibility, the Bundaberg Region’s 104,000 population will need approximately 260 defibrillators.
Businesses and organisations are being encouraged to learn more about how to get involved.
Being part of the Defib Hero program also means residents can download the Defib Hero App on either iPhone or Android to always have their local defibrillator location handy.
Find out more here.
