Nestled in Tasmania’s Midlands, the Lake Leake Inn has long served as a rest stop and gathering place for riders, campers, fishers and travellers exploring the region’s natural beauty.
Thanks to the St John Community Safe Grant Program, the Inn is now equipped with a publicly accessible defibrillator (AED). This new device will help ensure support is available in an emergency, even in remote locations.
The AED will be officially handed over on Sunday 17 August at 1:00 PM, during a special community event that coincides with a Memorial Ride. More than 50 motorbike riders, many aged between 50 and 80, are expected to gather at the Inn to reflect, reconnect, and show support for one another.
St John will also provide a CPR and defibrillator demonstration on the day, helping participants understand how to respond in a cardiac emergency.
“Our location is over an hour from the nearest hospital, and thirty minutes from the nearest ambulance station,” said Anne McNaughton, owner of the Lake Leake Inn.
“Having a defibrillator onsite gives us peace of mind, especially with so many older riders and travellers passing through. It could be the difference between life and death.”
“We’re not just here to ride. We’re here to support each other and be ready for the unexpected,” said Big George, a rider organizing this Memorial Ride.
“Knowing there’s a defib here now gives us more confidence when we’re out on the road, especially in a remote spot like this.”
The AED will be installed in a clearly visible and accessible outdoor location. It will be registered with the GoodSAM App and the Tasmanian AED Register, making it available to the wider Lake Leake community 24 hours a day.
St John Tasmania CEO Andrew Paynter said the donation highlights the importance of making lifesaving tools available in regional areas.
“Every minute counts in a cardiac emergency. The more defibrillators we have in the community, the more lives we can save,” he said.
“We’re proud to support regional operators like the Lake Leake Inn, who are doing their part to keep Tasmanians safe, no matter how far from town they may be.”
St John’s Community Safe Program helps grassroots organisations access lifesaving equipment and training. The goal is to give every Tasmanian a better chance in an emergency, regardless of where they live.
