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Life saving technique embraced by the ageing

Representatives of 45 local community organisations were taught resuscitation skills at the recent launches of the ’4 Steps for Life’ program in Latrobe City.

By Latrobe City Council - 1st April 2005 - Back to News

The program, administered by Ambulance Victoria, targeted people in the 50-70 year old bracket, with an aim of building awareness and confidence to perform CPR through fun group learning. Launches were held in late March in Morwell, Moe and Traralgon.

Latrobe City’s community development Officer, Teresa Pugliese, said that the program sought to significantly increase the number of people able and prepared to provide resuscitation (CPR) in a life threatening emergency.

"Lorraine Kamp, from Ambulance Victoria gave an overview of the program and then participants were encouraged to follow a brief twenty-minute video, which took them through the 4 Steps for Life. Each participant received an information kit to take and use with their community group," Ms Pugliese explained.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Bruce Lougheed, said that with a strong turnout from people in the Latrobe community anxious to learn life-saving skills, and in turn pass on the knowledge that they gained to others in their community group, there would now be an important heightened awareness of ways of dealing with cardiac arrest in the community.

"Victorian ambulance services attend about 3500 cases of sudden cardiac arrest each year. Statistically, older people are generally more likely to be the victim. Tragically, very few receive the benefit of potentially life saving CPR.

"Often, an ageing person who suffers cardiac arrest is in the company of another ageing person. It therefore makes a lot of sense to provide ageing people with life-saving skills so that they have the potential to help out their friends in an emergency," Cr Lougheed said.

The 4 Steps for Life is based on international research which demonstrates that simplification of resuscitation to the four critical steps greatly improves confidence and retention and that video based training in these steps is at least as effective as classroom training.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
• East Gippsland CMA hosts community event on Snowy River estuary trials and environmental flow improvements
  East Gippsland CMA, with NSW DCCEEW, monitored Snowy River estuary flows to improve health, maintain open entrance, and share findings at community event 11 March 2026, Marlo Angling Club.
• East Gippsland celebrates community contributions at 2026 Australia Day Awards with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador
  East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards, hosted 21 January at Lakes Entrance, will honour residents’ contributions with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador, featuring live entertainment, barbecue, and community celebration.
• Baw Baw Shire awards over $109,000 in community grants supporting 13 groups’ minor capital work projects
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded over $109,000 in Community Grants to 13 local groups, supporting minor capital works that improve facilities, sustainability, and community wellbeing across the shire.
• Council urges transparent, community-focused approach for battery energy storage systems across Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Council raises concerns over proposed BESS projects, urging transparency, protection of prime agricultural land, community input, and stronger oversight of sites outside designated renewable energy zones.
• West Gippsland CMA invites the community to join the Portrait of a River photo competition and send their entries by 30 April 2026
  West Gippsland CMA launches the annual Water for the Environment photo competition, inviting participants to capture rivers’ beauty, moods, and stories. Prizes worth $1,000 are available. Entries open April 1-30, 2026.
• Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
  Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent.
• East Gippsland Water invites community feedback through annual customer satisfaction survey this October
  East Gippsland Water is inviting customers to complete its annual satisfaction survey, providing feedback on water quality, service, and community engagement. Responses will guide future improvements and participants can win a $100 bill credit.
• Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
  Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026.
• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Parks Week with various free events from 28 February to 8 March 2026
  Wellington Shire celebrates Parks Week 2026 with free and low-cost events, including Baby’s Day Out, fitness sessions, markets, walks, and family activities, encouraging community connection and outdoor enjoyment.
• Gippsland Water’s mobile trailer supports community events while promoting health, sustainability and reducing single-use plastic
  Gippsland Water’s mobile water trailer supports community events, providing free drinking water, promoting healthy choices, reducing single-use plastics, and enhancing public and environmental health across the region in 2026.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join family-friendly Australia Day celebrations on 22 and 26 January 2026
  Residents are invited to free, family-friendly Australia Day celebrations across Baw Baw Shire, reflecting on history, recognising First Nations cultures, welcoming new citizens, thanking volunteers, and celebrating community spirit together.
• East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
  East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• Wellington Shire Council awards $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting events and volunteer initiatives across the Middle of Everywhere
  Wellington Shire Council has awarded $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting arts, events, sports, infrastructure, inclusion, and volunteer initiatives, strengthening participation and connection across the Middle of Everywhere region.
• Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
  Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025.
• Latrobe City Council invites residents to participate in 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey by phone on 16 February and 27 March 2026
  Latrobe City Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey will contact 400 households by phone, gathering confidential feedback to improve services and council performance across the city.
• Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
  Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season.
• Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
  Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
  Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships.
• Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
  Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions.
• Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• Bass Coast Sustainability Festival 2026 celebrates community creativity, and environmental care at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes on 7 March 2026
  The 2026 Bass Coast Sustainability Festival at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes, celebrates community, creativity, and environmental care with workshops, live music, stalls, food, and special guest Craig Reucassell.
• Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
  Melina Bath encourages regional cricket clubs, schools, and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants supporting facility upgrades and inclusive participation opportunities. Applications close 27 March 2026.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
  Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Gippsland Lakes welcomes migratory shorebirds with community event celebrating conservation and habitat restoration efforts
  Migratory shorebirds travel thousands of kilometres to visit Gippsland Lakes annually. A free community event on 10 October celebrates their arrival and highlights local conservation and habitat restoration efforts.
• Mayor Cr John White reflects on busy September: Sport, community, citizenship, infrastructure, and engagement across East Gippsland
  September was a busy, rewarding month for East Gippsland, with community events, sports, citizenship ceremonies, infrastructure projects, policy consultations, and initiatives boosting local tourism and engagement.
• East Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit, honouring events and initiatives making meaningful impact in 2026
  The 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards honoured the Winter Festival and Breast Care Support Fund for fostering connection, generosity, and community spirit across the region.
• Mallacoota’s new purpose-built Respite Care Centre opens, providing local residents high-quality recovery support close to home
  The new Mallacoota Respite Care Centre provides local residents with high-quality, home-like recovery support, keeping them connected to the community while enhancing safety and healthcare services for years to come.
• Baw Baw Employment Expo returns October 2025, showcasing local jobs, training, networking and career opportunities
  The Baw Baw Employment Expo returns 16 October 2025, offering free access to local job opportunities, training, networking, resume support, and career advice for job seekers and businesses.
• TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena showcases South Gippsland local artists’ work, open Fridays to Mondays until 20 April 2026
  TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena at Coal Creek showcases works by local artists across print, photography and film, open Friday to Monday and daily during school holidays until April 20.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• Latrobe City Council highlights strong financial performance and community-focused progress in its 2024/2025 Annual Report presentation
  Latrobe City Council’s 2024/2025 Annual Report shows strong financial sustainability, strategic progress and disciplined planning, highlighting new health-focused development and continued delivery of essential services and infrastructure.