Communities in Eastern Dorrigo have easier access to life-saving defibrillators and greater “peace of mind” thanks to the dedication of six volunteers, known as the Defib Divas.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos went to Ulong to donate a defibrillator on the City’s behalf, one of nine devices now located across the Lowanna-Ulong region.
When volunteer paramedic Shelley Kleinhans initiated the Community Defib Project to her local area in 2022, there was just one defibrillator – at the Ulong General Store.
As she looked at research, and the vast area of the Eastern Dorrigo Plateau, Ms Kleinhans realised the community needed more.
“Every minute that goes by without a defibrillator, the chance of survival is reduced by 7-10 per cent,” Ms Kleinhans said.
“We’re a very spread-out community, we’re also at least an hour to the closest ambulance stations, either Coffs Harbour or Dorrigo. Our goal was to have a defibrillator within 10 minutes of as many people on the mountain as possible.
“That’s when we started looking at the map and said we need at least eight defibrillators up here, so we started fundraising and contacting organisations and businesses for sponsorship. Over a two-year period, we’ve managed to get eight more defibrillators, at a cost of $3500 each. Thanks to the City of Coffs Harbour and all who have supported this project.”
Ms Kleinhans said she had been “blown away” by the generosity and enthusiasm of all involved. The Defib Divas also includes Robyn Floyd, Freddie Nilsen, Glenice Miller, Jayne Moran and Marjorie Inglis, but Ms Kleinhans said there had been broader support across the community.
“For every defib out there, we have a local community member responsible for checking it every month, in some cases there’s two people, because everyone wanted to be involved. The community’s been amazing.”
The defibrillator donated by City of Coffs Harbour will be located at Camp Creek Road, adding to the defibrillators at: Ulong General Store, Lowanna General Store, Lower Bobo Road, Timmsvale, Brooklana, Bushman’s Range Road, Molten and Cascade.
While at Ulong, Mayor Amos also attended the opening of the expanded Mountain Health Hub.
“The Mountain Health Hub and the Community Defib Project are both positive examples of how the communities in Eastern Dorrigo look after each other and band together. It’s great to see these growing health services,” Cr Amos said.
Photo:
Defib Divas Shelley Kleinhans, Glenice Miller and Marjorie Inglis with City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos.
