A new defibrillator is the latest addition to the Narrabri Showground.
It comes from the local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), who were able to purchase the equipment thanks to a generous sponsor.
Narrabri RDA secretary, Kylie Finlay, says the group saw great value in owning a defibrillator.
“Given the nature of our organisation, with many of our clients and volunteers having compromised health, it’s vital we have the equipment on-hand to ensure their safety,” she said.
“So, our team had been exploring grants to buy our own defibrillator, but none of the available options covered the entire cost.
“As a not-for-profit, we knew it would be hard to come up with the $3000 needed to make the purchase.
“But thankfully, one of our regular donors helped out – without this kind of support, we just wouldn’t have been able to buy the defibrillator.”
The RDA said it’s very fortunate to have such generous sponsors, especially given the ongoing pandemic.
“COVID has meant we’ve been unable to host events over the last two years,” Mrs Finlay explained.
“But, even still, we’ve had that wonderful support coming in.
“Thanks to the donations RDA has continued to receive in this time, we have the finances to go ahead next year, pending safety restrictions.”
With high hopes for 2022, the group is currently welcoming expressions of interest for new RDA volunteers – no experience with horses is needed, just contact the club to find out more.
The new defibrillator was purchased in collaboration with the Narrabri Showground Land Managers Board.
Mrs Finlay says this decision will allow greater access to the equipment.
“This is a great resource to have, but we figured if we only use it for RDA, the equipment will remain locked up for most of the year,” she said.
“We’d rather the whole community benefit from it, so we’ve given the board permission to share the defibrillator with anyone hosting an event at the showground.
“And we’re very pleased with this collaboration because it allows RDA to give back as a group.”
The board happily accepted the new piece of equipment with treasurer Judy Michell and secretary Janine McGowan present at the handover.
Read more on the local showground:
- Narrabri Showground wins a $478,000 COVID grant
- Million-dollar boost for showground upgrades
- Showground’s Foxe pavilion to go
