Snowy Monaro Regional Council has wrapped up its series of free first aid courses for rural residents, empowering over 170 community members with vital skills to respond to emergencies in their local area.
Running from mid-2023 to February 2024, 11 courses were held across the region, reaching residents in locations as diverse as Smiths Road, Rocky Plain, and Mila.
This project received grant funding from the Australian Government under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program – Strengthening Communities Safer Places Project.
The final session, held on 10 February at the Mila Country Club, marked the successful conclusion of the program, which aimed to strengthen community resilience and self-reliance in the wake of the 2019/20 bushfires.
'These free first aid courses have been a fantastic opportunity for our rural residents to gain valuable skills that could make a real difference in an emergency,' said Mayor Chris Hanna.
'With many of our communities located far from medical services, having these essential first aid abilities readily available is critical in the crucial minutes before professional help arrives.'
The courses, delivered by qualified trainers, covered a range of essential first aid topics, including:
- CPR and defibrillation
- Wound care
- Burns and bites
- Resuscitation techniques
- Basic life support
Participants praised the program for its informative and engaging delivery, with many highlighting the convenience of having the training delivered locally within their communities.
'The course was very enjoyable and informative," said one participant. "It was fantastic to have it held in our local area, making it easy for everyone to attend.'
Another participant commented, 'I'm so grateful to Council for making this course available for free! It's given me the confidence to know what to do in an emergency situation.'
In addition to the first aid training, Council has also undertaken installation of defibrillators at almost two dozen rural halls across the region, along with substantial upgrades and renovations to many of the halls themselves.
This investment complements the first aid training program, further bolstering emergency preparedness across the Snowy Monaro.
By equipping residents with life-saving skills and providing access to defibrillators, Council is building stronger, more resilient rural communities that are better prepared to respond to future emergencies and natural disasters.
