General News
17 March, 2026
Daisy Hill defibrillator fixed
The Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud helped a Daisy Hill community group get their defibrillator fixed ahead of an event.
Daisy Hill went from having a broken defibrillator, to a working one, in less than a week thanks to the local community bank’s support.
The Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud paid for a new battery and pads for the AED, otherwise known as an Automated External Defibrillator, at the Daisy Hill Community Centre earlier this month.
The goal was to get a working AED at the centre ahead of Goldfields Community Connect’s community day on March 7.
The group’s president Ebony Miller said she wasn’t comfortable holding the event without the life-saving equipment nearby.
“The thought of having different groups use the hall and not have something like that close by — it just didn’t feel right. You need that equipment around,” she said.
Knowing every minute counts during a cardiac arrest, Mrs Miller said the nearest AED would take around 10 minutes to get from Talbot or Maryborough.
It was good news then for Mrs Miller when a discount on the parts, payment, and express shipping was all organised the week of the event.
The parts arrived the day before it was held and were installed day of.
“We’re very happy that with everyone’s help and support we got it here,” Mrs Miller said.
The community bank’s executive officer Julie Driscoll said the community’s need for a working AED was obvious.
“We’re giving the community the confidence that if the worst happens, there’s equipment nearby that can help save someone’s life,” she said.
“Supporting projects like this is exactly why community banking matters.”
Ms Driscoll said if any community groups are in need of a defibrillator they’re welcome to contact the community bank.
“This is an example of a community group doing good things with the profits that we reinvest back into the community. This opportunity is open at the moment to everyone to apply,” she said.
The community bank’s Autumn grant round is also open for applications, offering funding for community and not-for-profit organisations.
Last year’s Autumn grants saw fifteen local organisations share in over $50,000 for community projects including Maryborough Theatre Company’s (MTC) christmas carols.
Submission sclose midnight, March 31, with more information online or by emailing secretary@avocacoop.com.au