St John Ambulance Tasmania has today launched the St John Safe Town Initiative, starting with a three-day visit to communities on the East Coast.
We’ll be in Triabunna on 24 March, St Helens on 25 March and Bicheno on 26 March, working alongside locals to build safer, more prepared communities.
The Safe Town Initiative is a new community safety program designed to improve first aid readiness, support mobility and strengthen safety in rural and remote Tasmania.
For many people living in rural and remote Tasmania, accessing services is not always easy. Distance, availability and the rising cost of fuel can all make it harder to get help quickly in an emergency.
That is why community safety and preparedness are so important.
The Safe Town Initiative focuses on giving people the tools, knowledge and confidence to respond. This includes knowing how to use a defibrillator, having access to a first aid kit and making sure equipment is safe and ready to use.
A key focus of the Safe Town Initiative is helping people stay safe and independent at home.
Mobility aids such as scooters, walkers and assistive devices can play an important role in reducing falls and supporting independence. However, many people are not aware of what is available or how to use and maintain this equipment safely.
Through Safe Town, St John provides:
This helps older Tasmanians stay active, confident and safe in their own homes.
When Safe Town comes to a community, it delivers a range of practical safety services, including:
The focus is on making safety simple, accessible and relevant to everyday life.
The Safe Town Initiative is community-led, with several ways to get involved.
Businesses and organisations can support their community by making their defibrillator or first aid kit publicly available in an emergency. Supporters receive a Safe Town window decal and are recognised as part of a growing network of community safety leaders.
St John is working with councils, community groups, schools and local industries to bring the Safe Town Initiative to more communities across Tasmania. Email marketing@stjohntas.org.au to find out more.
The Safe Town Initiative is just getting started. If you would like to see Safe Town come to your community, you can register your interest today.
