Australia Post delivers grant to SES

SES Heathcote Unit will soon purchase a new defibrillator with a two thousand-dollar grant from Australia Post.

The unit was nominated for a People of Post grant by Bryan Linnell, manager of compliance and accounts at Heathcote Licenced Post Office.

“The grants are given annually by People of Post,” said Mr Linnell.

“Post Office team members are eligible to nominate local groups who support projects aligned to the Community Strategy.

“I nominated the SES when I saw volunteers come into the post office tired, bedraggled and wet after spending all night out helping others.

“They are a really worthy organisation.”

The People of Post Grant was awarded to 152 community organisations across Australia this year, helping them continue making a difference in their communities.

The program is team-led, allowing members to nominate groups supporting their community.

All Australia Post Group employees, licensees and their employees, contractors and agents are eligible to nominate organisations.

“Nominated organisations need to support at least one of four strategic community focus areas,” said Mr Linnell.

“They are mental health, disaster support and resilience, indigenous children’s literacy and learning, and environment and sustainability.

“The SES fulfilled several of these criteria.”

After the nomination was accepted, Australia Post contacted SES Heathcote Deputy Controller Clynton Robinson to complete an application.

“The process wasn’t difficult,” said Mr Robinson, “and I found they were very easy to deal with.

“All contact had a pleasant tone, and they were very encouraging.

“Two months after we completed the application, we received an email to say we were shortlisted and soon after another to say we were successful.

“As you can imagine there was great jubilation throughout the unit.”

Mr Robinson said the $2000 would go towards a defibrillator.

“We have three vehicles but only two have defibrillators in them,” he said. “It was a concern in case one was needed and there wasn’t one in that vehicle.

“Often the SES are the first to arrive at an emergency and we can provide lifesaving support before the ambulance can get there.

“A defibrillator costs $3000 so the grant will be topped up with money from our local fundraising.”

Mr Linnell said he was very pleased that the SES were successful in receiving the grant.

“This year the grant increased from $1000 last year to $2000 which makes a big difference,” he said.

“I can’t speak highly enough

about the men and women of the SES and all they do for the community.

“It’s good to have played a small part in helping them receive this grant.”