Bundaberg Orchid Society now has the ability to help save a life in an emergency situation thanks to a Bundaberg Regional Council Community Grant.
The local organisation received a grant of $1500 in October to purchase a mobile defibrillator that will be transported with the group for meetings, social outings and events such as their upcoming popular Mother’s Day show.
A defibrillator is a medical device that uses electricity to restart the heart or shock it back into its correct rhythm.
It is used when someone has a sudden cardiac arrest – when the heart suddenly stops pumping.
Secretary Andrew Straume said the vital piece of equipment was essential to have in community groups such as the Bundaberg Orchid Society.
He said the benefit of having a defibrillator was that it could help save lives and without the assistance of a community grant, it would not be possible for the group to own such a device.
“Our members are mostly quite elderly, and they feel that we need to have one of these devices on hand at all our activities,” Andrew said.
“I keep it at my home, being the secretary, and keep it fit for purpose.
“It is mobile and we will have it available at all of our meetings and activities – including our show.”
Thousands of people are expected to attend the Bundaberg Orchid Society’s Mother’s Day Show and 50th anniversary celebrations, to be held on 12 to 14 May at Bundaberg Civic Centre.
Bundaberg Orchid Society president Alwyn Heidke said the three-day event had flourished in the Bundaberg Region for decades and it continued to attract thousands of people to check out the beautiful blossoming orchid displays.
He said Bundaberg Orchid Society provided one of the best orchid shows in Australia, showcasing orchids that are locally grown and others featured by growers that travel from around the country to be displayed.
Bundaberg Orchid Society member Karen Honey said the group was also proud to be celebrating 50 years of existence this year, and they continued to have social field trips, where the defibrillator would come in handy if ever needed.
“Not too many organisations last that long, and our society continues to grow,” Karen said.
“In addition to our regular meetings on the third Thursday of each month from February to November, we also have a field trip to the home and shade houses of some of our members on the first Sunday of each month.
“We regularly have over 50 members attending these days, which are promoted for new and interested growers.
“They are so popular it’s frequently standing room only, and it’s great to see how other people grow their orchids, what potting media they use, watering and fertilising regimes and how they deal with pests and weeds.”
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community Grants aim to provide assistance to local community groups or organisations who make positive contributions to the quality of life in the Bundaberg Region.
- To find out more about Bundaberg Community Grants click here.
