Community first aid training equips Pilliga and Gwabegar residents

Residents of Pilliga and Gwabegar came together last Tuesday at the Pilliga Pub for a pivotal community event.

Organised by Narrabri Shire Council’s community recovery officer, the gathering marked a significant stride in the community’s resilience with first aid training.

Sponsored by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the initiative aimed to arm residents with vital first-aid skills. With the looming threat of natural disasters such as flooding potentially isolating towns and villages, the ability to administer basic first aid becomes paramount with every community member trained, becoming a potential lifesaver.

Dean Browne from Blackwater Training led the course, guiding participants through essential first-aid techniques and protocols.

Council’s community recovery officer Justin Davison highlighted the dual purpose that the training provides.

“It not only enhances our eligibility to apply for a grant to acquire defibrillators for Pilliga and Gwabegar but also equips our residents with life-saving skills,” Mr Davison said in information published by council.

“The potential acquisition of defibrillators holds significance, as these devices could be literal lifesavers during critical moments.

“By securing them, the community takes proactive steps to safeguard the well-being of its residents.”

Pilliga and Gwabegar residents will have the opportunity to chat with a wide range of council staff at an upcoming Village Roadshow on Wednesday, May 29.

Designed to bolster community resilience, the Village Roadshow will offer council-led workshops and Q&A sessions aimed at empowering and informing attendees.

As the community recovery officer prepares to extend support to other parts of the shire, residents are encouraged to contribute to the direction of community-focused endeavours via a survey.

The survey can be accessed via https://ow.ly/3Nqk50Rqhhp until 5pm on Friday, May 31.