Dingo residents now have access to potentially life-saving medical equipment with a defibrillator fitted at the Dingo Roadhouse last month.
The project was a joint initiative between the Dingo Community Reference Group (CRG) and the Central Highlands Regional Council.
Third-generation Dingo local and CRG member Bill Cragg said the roadhouse was chosen as the preferred site for the $3600 medical device because it’s open to the public twenty hours a day.
‘The main idea came from another one of our members, Jenni Smith, who brought it to our attention that it would be good to have in the community,’ he said.
‘Obviously the first thing you do in an emergency is ring triple zero but here we’re at least half an hour away from any ambulances. Those minutes are very crucial so everyone’s very pleased to have the defibrillator in the area now.’
A community training session was held last week to show residents how to use the device and promote its availability. The CRG is planning to hold another one in coming weeks.
Mayor Cr Kerry Hayes said this was a great example of the effectiveness of council’s community reference group program.
‘The locals identified this as a need for their community, brought it to council and together we were able to make it happen,’ he said.
‘The thirteen CRGs across our region are an integral part of council’s unique, innovative Community Plan 2022. We are very proud of this planning model and it’s fantastic to see it at work.’