NSW
Community halls across the Snowy Monaro region are playing host to a series of free first aid courses for rural residents, as part of an Australian Government funding initiative enabling Council renovations and upgrades at 12 community hubs.
Thanks to support provided through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program’s Strengthening Communities Safer Places Project, Snowy Monaro Regional Council has undertaken an ambitious program of work across the region, including:
- Installation of defibrillators at 11 regional and rural halls, with 11 more to be installed;
- Completion of major upgrades and renovations at halls in Cathcart and Mila;
- Commenced renovations and upgrades at halls in Bibbenluke, Bredbo, Dalgety, Kybeyan, and Michelago;
- Scheduled significant improvements and repairs for halls in Adaminaby, Bungarby, Craigie, Nimmitabel and Numeralla;
- Delivered free first aid courses for rural residents in Bibbenluke, Dalgety, Nimmitabel, Numeralla, Peak View, Rocky Plain, and Smiths Road;
- Additional free first aid courses for rural residents scheduled for Adaminaby, Cathcart, Mila, and Shannons Flat.
Halls in regional and rural places are at the centre of community life in their localities, and perform a vital role in times of emergency and natural disaster, the Council said in a statement.
The nominated halls all received comprehensive building reports, outlining their priority renovations.
“This has seen repairs to leaky roofs, holes in walls, and the installation of all-ability access and new compliant doors with panic bars,” the Council said.
“With these repairs, upgrades, and renovations, our region’s halls – some more than a century old – will continue to serve our communities for generations to come.
“More than 100 residents have completed first aid training at their local halls and RFS sheds through this initiative already. With more sessions to come, this program is strengthening community relationships throughout the Snowy Monaro, and building community resilience and self-reliance through life-saving first aid skills.”
“Complementing the first aid training, the rollout of public defibrillators in our region’s community halls is a significant investment in the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone in our region,” Council said.
