Parents and carers across Gippsland will have access to free, lifesaving baby and child first aid education throughout September and October.
The Sisterhood Project, a charity specialiding in first aid and health literacy for rural and regional families, is bringing its community training tour to Buchan, Omeo, Bruthen, Lakes Entrance, Briagolong, Stratford, Bairnsdale and Toora.
Supported by the Latrobe Health Services Foundation Small Grants Program, the initiative aims to remove cost and distance barriers that prevent regional families from accessing practical emergency training.
The workshops cover essential response skills for common childhood emergencies, including CPR, choking, burns, head injuries, bites, stings, severe bleeding and sudden illness.
A recent evaluation of the program found that 100 per cent of participants felt more willing to perform CPR after completing the course, with 93 per cent reporting increased confidence in responding to an emergency. Two-thirds of respondents indicated they would not have attended had the training not been free.
The Sisterhood Project managing director and paediatric critical care nurse, Grace Larson, emphasised the critical need for regional access.
“Children in rural communities face a higher risk than metropolitan communities, and parents often have fewer local education options and may be further from emergency healthcare,” Ms Larson said.
“In an emergency, parents and carers are the first people there. We want them to have practical skills, trusted health information and the confidence to act while help is on the way.”
Latrobe Health Services Foundation program coordinator Gabrielle McBain said funding the tour aligns directly with the foundation’s focus on regional health equity and accessibility.
“This project will improve early response to childhood emergencies in isolated communities and aligns with the foundation’s focus on health literacy, accessibility, affordability, and equity,” Ms McBain said.
COURSE DATES
– Buchan: Tuesday, September 8
– Omeo: Wednesday, September 9
– Bruthen: Thursday, September 10
– Lakes Entrance: Friday, September 11
– Briagolong: Tuesday, September 15
– Stratford: Wednesday, September 16
– Bairnsdale: Thursday, October 8
– Toora: Monday, October 19
While the courses are free, bookings are essential. Registrations can be made online through The Sisterhood Project website.
