A free course on how to safely respond to someone experiencing mental health concerns will be held at the Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre on Thursday, October 29, from 9am to 3pm. Participants who meet the requirements will receive an accredited Certificate of Completion. The course, Mental Health First Aid International, teaches people how to support someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening problem or in a crisis. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Somerset Regional Council has welcomed Queensland Government support for taskforce recommendations on depreciation costs for councils. Mayor Jason Wendt said the reforms recognise councils' long-term responsibility for community infrastructure. Upcoming council events include a free Somerset Farmers Dinner featuring Warren Davies on 12 November, a Community Development Conference on 7 November, and further Free Tree Days in Kilcoy and Esk. A wild dog baiting day is set for 9 November, and a First Aid for Seniors session is planned for 11 November.
Coledale RSL will host a fundraising event on Friday, 20 November, to farewell seven Ukrainian mental health workers who are completing trauma training in NSW. Organiser Dr Liz Paslawsky says the money raised will buy first aid trauma kits, which cost $100 each and contain bandages, blankets and tourniquets. Kits will be distributed to first responders and health workers in Ukraine. Donations are tax deductible through the Ukraine Crisis Appeal, and donors are asked to write Coledale RSL in the comments field.
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A Brisbane woman who went into cardiac arrest during her morning run a year ago is urging people to learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator. Kaley Koppa, 43, collapsed on a bench along the Brisbane River after she slowed down and clutched her arm. Members of the public performed CPR, and a Star Casino security worker used a defibrillator, which Ms Koppa says saved her life. Doctors later declared she had clinically died. Ms Koppa has since learned she has a progressive genetic heart disease and can no longer run.
Wombarra man David Crossley collapsed in cardiac arrest during his regular evening gym session at Plus Fitness in Thirroul. Three strangers rushed to help, and a gym defibrillator delivered a shock that restored his normal heart rhythm. Doctors at Wollongong Hospital told him that the quick action of bystanders and paramedics saved his life. Crossley has nominated the gym members for a NSW Ambulance Award and is recovering at home with a defibrillator fitted to his chest. He wants more defibrillators in public places and urges bystanders to act fast.
A Sydney man, Paul Gunning, 62, has reunited with the emergency responders who saved him after he suffered a cardiac arrest on his way to watch a friendly match between Chelsea and Tottenham on August 1. He had felt healthy beforehand and had no warning signs. Senior Constable Ryan Page began CPR shortly after the call came in, and first-aider Captain Roneel Chandra used a defibrillator, delivering a second shock before Gunning began to respond. Paramedics from NSW Ambulance found him conscious and breathing, and he was taken to Concord Hospital, where he made a remarkable recovery.
A young father has been awarded Western Australia's Royal Life Saving Bravery Award for rescuing his three-year-old daughter from drowning in a backyard pool in Broome. Sandy Spratt, 25, was visiting a family member's home in August 2025 when he noticed the sudden silence of his daughters' play. He found Adaleena unconscious and face down in the water, pulled her out and began CPR. She was conscious when paramedics arrived and made a full recovery in Broome Hospital. Mr Spratt is now urging others to complete a first aid course, saying it really does save lives.
