Gayndah man continues fight for local lives

Bill Turner won't give up in his fight for defibrillators.

APPLICATION: Leanne Fowler and Bill Turner stand behind a good cause. Picture: Felicity Ripper

HAVING defibrillators dispersed in a town with an ageing population can mean the difference between life and death.

So when Gayndah resident Bill Turner heard his grant application to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for 19 defibrillators was declined, he was flooded with disappointment.

But he won't give up in his fight.

He has submitted another application, this time for 15 defibrillators, to a new grant round in time for it's closure on Thursday.

"Having a defibrillator close by is crucial in the first few minutes after cardiac arrest to save the person's life,” Mr Turner said.

"To get these defibrillators around town will mean Gayndah residents have a lot better chance of survival.”

Currently Gayndah has very few defibrillators, and none in the main street of town.

More than 43 per cent of Gayndah's population is over 50 years old.

This is almost 10 per cent more than the nation's population of residents over 50.

Mr Turner has collected letters of support from numerous local organisations, including local paramedic officer in charge Keith Wrench.

"I think a selling point of our grant application is just how many organisations have united to stand behind the cause,” Mr Turner said.

"And if the grant is successful it will bring even more harmony.

"The venues around town will have contact lists for where the defibrillators are located and the volunteers who can help.”

The current grant Mr Turner applied for allows for funding of up to $35,000.

He applied for 15 defibrillators, subsidised by Red Cross, at $34,995 with delivery.

According to the Heart Foundation, the North Burnett has a heart disease mortality rate of 80 per 100,000 persons, compared to the national average of 68 per 100,000 persons.

Mr Turner wants this to change.