Parts of the Central West have extremely high rates of cardiac arrest, but unfortunately also very low rates of bystander CPR. This means the Central West is at greater risk of higher mortality rates when someone’s heart suddenly stops – but together, we can change that. 

Heart of the Nation and the Heart Foundation are helping you and your community combat this critical health issue. We’re helping to place more AEDs in this region, and provide free education on how to use them. 

You’ve seen those bright yellow cabinets popping up around Parkes, Cowra, Eugowra, Young, Mudgee, and Orange. Do you know what’s inside?  

What’s inside has the power to help save lives. These AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are here to help you complete the Chain of Survival in a sudden cardiac arrest.  These AEDs will help you to CALL, PUSH, SHOCK – three essential steps when someone’s heart stops. 

In rural areas like the Central West, people don’t simply live in a community – they ARE the community - always looking out for one another - and it takes a community to help save lives from sudden cardiac arrest.  

A sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. When someone’s heart suddenly stops, without the quick response of calling 000, starting CPR and a shock from an AED, the  overall rate of survival from a cardiac arrest is incredibly low .  

But having the necessary tools available is only half the story. Let’s make sure you know how to use them, and connected to your community to help respond. 

Join us for a FREE community education session, where we’ll show you how to stay ready, confident, and capable. In just 60-90 minutes, you’ll be equipped with the skills to CALL PUSH SHOCK so you can step up and help a family member, friend, neighbour, or even a stranger when it matters most. 

Why Participate? 

• Early identification: Learn how to recognise a cardiac arrest. 

• Gain Knowledge: Find out the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest 

• CPR Confidence: Hands-on training that’s easy to follow, no matter your experience level. 

• AED Know-How: Get comfortable with using an AED—these devices are user-friendly, and so is our training. 

• Stay Connected: Find out how our AED Locator and Responder App keeps you in the loop. 

Dates & Locations: 

• 11th November – Cootamundra Ex-Services Club, 12pm 

• 11th November – Young CWA Hall, 4.00pm and 6pm 

• 12th November – West Wyalong Services and Citizens Club, 10am 

• 12th November – Club Cowra, 3pm and 5.30pm 

• 13th November – Canowindra Services Club, 10am 

• 13th November – Eugowra (The Showgrounds TBC), 2pm 

• 13th November – Forbes Sports and Recreation Centre, 5pm 

• 14th November – Parkes Services Club, 10am and 12pm 

• 14th November – Molong (TBC), 4pm 

• 15th November – TBC, 2pm and 5pm 

• 16th November – Club Mudgee, 1pm 

These sessions are about more than just learning—they’re about prevention, preparation, and peace of mind – and mostly, helping saving lives. Whether you’re aiming to be more confident to help or simply wanting to be prepared, this is your chance to make a real difference. 

Why Attend? 

Because in any community, we can’t wait for help—we are the help. 

Let’s keep the Central West strong, safe, and ready. Register now and let’s get prepared together.