Community Bank Surf Coast helping to save lives

It isn’t always about the money you can donate, as it can also be about the lives you could save.

Community Bank Surf Coast has already funded, installed and maintained more then 30 defibrillators across the Surf Coast region over the past 10 years as the bank recognised the value of these life saving devices long ago.

In a continued effort to ensure all machines are maintained and located to best support the greater community, a recent relationship with Ambulance Victoria has been greatly beneficial to help identify additional locations across the Surf Coast – in particular Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Winchelsea – that would benefit from additional machines to ensure the regional towns have the tools available to support them as required.

The newly acquired machines are now strategically located at the Lorne Community House, Lorne Community Connect, The Lorne Lions Village, the Lorne Op Shop, Aireys 3231 Community Garden, Winchelsea Netball Club, Anglesea Tennis Club.

These life-saving devices are now accessible 24/7, ready to provide immediate aid in cases of cardiac emergencies.

In addition to installing the life saving devices, Ambulance Victoria has been able to provide the community with the education required to use the machines, which is the key to making a huge difference to someone who may need life saving assistance in the future.

Ambulance Victoria and Community Bank Surf Coast have jointly hosted initial training sessions across the region over the past few months and thanks to the huge community engagement in the sessions held so far, these will now become regular courses provided for free going forward.

Sessions were held at Aireys Inlet Community Hall, Lorne Community House and Aireys 3231 Community Garden. Participants were able to receive basic defibrillator training and witness the demonstration of the newly acquired Automated CPR machines.

These educational sessions not only empower community members to take action during emergencies but also instill a sense of confidence and preparedness in dealing with critical situations.

The community have shown their dedication to learning with overwhelming participation, with more than 50 individuals attending across the different sessions.

Facilitators from Ambulance Victoria, Matthew Van der Ploeg and the Community Bank contributed to the event’s success.

The provision of defibrillators in various places, including community spaces, sporting facilities and commercial locations, ensures immediate assistance is readily available, potentially saving precious seconds in life-threatening situations.

By taking this proactive approach and investing in essential equipment, the bank has demonstrated its understanding of the critical role that preparedness and swift action play in safeguarding the lives of community members.

Community Bank Surf Coast’s collaborative efforts with Ambulance Victoria, the Anglesea and Lorne Lions Clubs and other community organisations in purchasing, registering, updating, and training for life-saving equipment represent the commitment the bank has in supporting the communities of which it serves.

The impact of these initiatives will undoubtedly be an asset through the Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Winchelsea and Lorne communities for years to come, making them safer, more prepared and confident in getting access to and using this equipment.

The bank says its commitment to community is only possible thanks to the support of its customers.