Free essential training for regional women

THE Rural Women’s Network and St John Ambulance will hold a free essential skills course in first aid, mental health, and crisis support in Ballina on June 12-13.

The ‘Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow’ provides training in effectively responding to emergencies, recognising mental health issues, and applying appropriate interventions when people are in imminent crisis.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said it was the first time many regional and rural women could access free first aid and mental health training.

“The NSW Government is making it easy for women to access this life-saving training to bridge an important gap, particularly for women who would have otherwise missed out due to cost or travel,” Harrison said.

“We’re not only giving them essential skills but building resilience in regional communities.

“For women living in regional or rural NSW, I encourage you to register for one or both courses nearest to you to help keep your family, workplace and community safe,” she said.

According to St John’s Ambulance data, 33 per cent of adults in NSW have never been trained in first aid, the highest proportion of any state or territory in Australia.

Women are less likely to be confident in providing first aid compared to men, and 87 per cent of Australians would be more willing to give help to a person with a mental health issue if they were taught how.

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said it was important to equip rural and regional women with the first aid skills they need to be crucial first responders during an emergency.

“It can literally be the difference between life and death,” Moriarty said.

“It’s not just about physical injuries either; this program helps develop the skills to identify and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis until professional help is available.”

Workshop participants will receive a nationally accredited certification on completion of training.

For more information on the Ballina sessions and to register, visit nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/rural-womens-network-skills-roadshow-2025