Two well-known service clubs of the Milton-Ulladulla region have worked together to ensure life-saving gear has been provided at a popular coastal hamlet.
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A defibrillator has been installed on the outside wall of a Bendalong real estate agency, adjacent to the “Bendy Hub” on the corner of Waratah and Poplar Streets.
The Ulladulla Milton Lions Club and Rotary Club of Milton Ulladulla split the $3,000 donation after a concerned community member contacted both clubs, seeking assistance.
Red Head Villages Association member Jenny Cleary said she knew there was a desperate need for a defibrillator as there was no other “life-saving equipment within the area”.
“I wanted something to try and help save people’s lives because for six months over Christmas this place just gets so many people,” Ms Cleary said.
“At the moment, normally there’s only one house lived in in every six. Whereas at Christmas every house [is occupied] so that means it grows at least six times.
“Holiday houses have more people in them and the population grows. Thousands of people come here and there was not any life-saving equipment, so it’s a bit of a worry.”
Ms Cleary praised the Lions and Rotary Clubs for their backing after she had no success seeking funds through local and state government and Surf Life Saving NSW.
“On behalf of the community I would just like to say thank you for coming forward with the money and everyone working together for the good of the community. It will save people’s lives.”
It was the second defibrillator Ulladulla Milton Lions Club had donated to a local cause. In 2015 the club provided Pam Burridge surf school.
Lions Club member Pam Watt said it was easy to see the good in providing a defibrillator the Bendalong/Manyana community.
“Even if you save one life it is well worth it. We just wish them well with it all,” Ms Watt said.
Issa Shalhoub shared similar sentiments to Ms Watt. He said it was an easy decision for the Rotary board.
“Straight away we said ‘yes, let’s go for it’ because it is going to save a life or two,” Mr Shalhoub said. “Just like any other service club, we do it for the community.”
Lions Club member Brian Thompson said the combined donation was another example of how service clubs can work together.
According to Surf Life Saving Australia, defibrillators, in combination with CPR, have been known to increase the chance of survival by up to 60-70 per cent compared to manual CPR alone.