Premier Coal have given back to the community and helped the Allanson Volunteer Bushfire Brigade purchase its first defibrillator.
The brigade is one of Collie’s community groups making a difference to the community that applied for support funding under Yancoal Australia’s Community Support Program.
The program, run by Premier Coal’s parent company Yancoal Australia, provides funding of up to $25,000 to community groups in the areas of health, social and community, environment, education and training.
Premier Coal health, safety and training advisor Jamie Wood said it was great to give back.
“We just saw the work the brigade and all the volunteers do and really saw the value in them having a defibrillator,” Mr Wood said.
“It was something that the brigade really needed and that they can use. It’s going to be beneficial to the whole community.
“We love to be able to get out in the community and support where we can.”
Allanson Volunteer Bushfire Brigade fire control officer Kohdy Flynn said the brigade was extremely grateful for the support.
“We are very thankful for the defibrillator. At the end of the day it’s not going to potentially save our lives but also the community,” Mr Flynn said.
“It’s a bit of a disappointment that we have to get grants to receive a defibrillator when they should be supplied across the board.
“Bushfires obviously cause a lot of stress and a high level of anxiety among some people, and with an ageing volunteer base, not just in Allanson but across the board in Collie, there’s a risk of heart attack and heart failure.
“The smoke contributes to it, but also the hard physical work and stress from being on the fire ground.”
Yancoal Australia’s Community Support Program is open for applications until January 31, 2019.
For more information visit www.premiercoal.com.au.
Some community groups to previously receive funding under the program include Collie HorsePower and the Collie Police Community and Youth Centre.
