Hay’s community emergency response would be a state first

Image: NSW Ambulance

By Krista Schade

Hay is set to lead the state in community involvement in emergency responses, according to Mayor Carol Oataway’s report to the July meeting of Hay Shire Council.

Mayor Oataway and Council’s Executive Manager of People and Governance Kirstyn Thronder recently met with senior NSW Ambulance representatives to progress discussions on establishing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Hay.

In her report Mayor Oataway said NSW Ambulance has acknowledged Hay’s unique circumstances and agreed that our community could support a CERT, provided there is sufficient local interest.

“While CERTs are typically not deployed in towns already served by a resourced ambulance centre, the agency recognises that Hay’s isolation and specific needs warrant a tailored approach,” Mayor Oataway said.

“If implemented, this would be the first CERT of its kind in a resourced centre in NSW—a pilot model that, if successful, could be extended to other similarly positioned communities across the state.”

The next phase will focus on community engagement, with NSW Ambulance leading communications, according to Mayor Oataway.

Three meetings are expected, with a public session to be held on August 27 at 6pm, as part of this process.

“NSW Ambulance is enthusiastic about launching this pilot program and recognises its potential to create a new model of emergency response in rural and remote areas,” Mayor Oataway said.