FROM ONE COMMUNITY TO MANY
It started with an idea for one defibrillator in Wisemans Ferry—and a community determined to make a difference.
In 2018, Sophie Wills was studying paramedicine at Western Sydney University. After a tragic medical event near Wisemans Ferry, she approached Dr Paul Simpson about purchasing a community defibrillator.
The area's distances, river crossings and access challenges made it clear that one AED would not cover the whole community. Local residents, community organisations and paramedicine professionals came together to build a broader plan.
2019
Support through the NSW My Community Project grant helped establish the Wisemans Ferry network. The Bowling Club made its existing AED accessible outside the club, becoming the project's first community installation in September 2019.
2020
More than 20 AEDs were installed in Wisemans Ferry and surrounds over the following year. The project expanded beyond its founding community, with St Albans, Spencer and Maroota joining the journey.
2021
The network reached 50 installations across NSW. ABC coverage brought Sophie and local volunteers’ work to a wider audience.
Explore this chapter2022
NSW Ambulance’s 2021–22 review recorded 100 AEDs, more than 150 volunteers, over 20 communities and more than $200,000 raised.
Explore this chapter2023
Community fundraising continued to bring new AEDs into the network, including Pennant Hills–Cherrybrook and Wolgan Valley installations.
Explore this chapter2024
Coffs Harbour reported how Lowanna and Ulong’s Defib Divas grew their local network from one AED to nine over two years.
Explore this chapter2025
CDP continued community education and outreach, including arrangements for an ABC Newcastle radio interview in January.
Explore this chapter2026
CDP’s October partnership overview records more than 250 AEDs, over 50 communities and more than $900,000 raised. The next chapter brings renewed focus to sustainable support for each unit.
Explore this chapterTHE PEOPLE WHO HELPED START IT ALL
CDP grew through the shared commitment of its founding committee, established in April 2019. We acknowledge the people who helped turn a local idea into an enduring community project.
Their time, knowledge and belief in community access to defibrillation helped lay the foundations for everything that followed.
WITH OUR THANKS
Alongside our founding board and committee, our current and former staff have given their time, skills and care to support CDP and its communities.
Ian joined the committee as Install Manager, helping communities bring their AED installations to life.
STAFF MEMBER
Joan supports communities through the installation process, bringing her knowledge and care to CDP’s installation work.
STAFF MEMBER
Emma supports CDP through marketing, maintenance and sponsorship, helping communities stay connected with the project.
FORMER STAFF MEMBER
Jillian served as Project Coordinator, supporting the day-to-day work of the project and its communities. We thank her for her contribution during her time with CDP.
FIRST CDP STAFF MEMBER
Erin helped support communities and coordinate the project’s day-to-day work, including community records, donations and monthly checks. We thank her for her contribution during her time with CDP.
STAFF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We thank Alicia for her contribution to CDP and its communities.
A COMMUNITY MILESTONE
Hawkins Lookout is one of the real community installations that tells the story of CDP's growth.
See AED #100A PARTNERSHIP FROM THE BEGINNING
Defibshop has supported CDP since its beginnings, sharing our commitment to making defibrillators accessible and helping communities feel confident using them.
Carpet Hughes brings extensive experience as an Intensive Care Paramedic and first-hand knowledge of responding to sudden cardiac arrest. His clinical expertise has helped shape the project’s approach to AEDs and community familiarisation.
Through equipment advice, replacement consumables and AED familiarisation sessions, Defibshop’s ongoing commitment supports both the equipment and the people who rely on it. We sincerely thank Carpet and the Defibshop team for their expertise and continued support.
A COMMUNITY PROJECT WITH LONG-TERM PURPOSE
CDP is a volunteer-led community project. Purchasing an AED is one part of the journey: our work brings together local committees, fundraising, installation coordination, education, monthly checks and ongoing maintenance support.
We do not have ongoing funding to cover the work behind the network. The small margin from our installation packages helps keep the organisation running and enables us to continue supporting communities.
We understand why communities look for the cheapest option, and we work to keep our prices competitive. Price is only part of the decision. Equipment quality, suitable cabinets and signage, and the support available after installation all matter. A direct equipment quote may not include the coordination and ongoing project support provided through CDP.
When your community arranges its package through CDP, you help sustain both your local project and the wider network.
Explore the community journeyWITH OUR THANKS
We gratefully acknowledge Abell Signage for its support of the Community Defib Project. Thank you for being part of our community of supporters and helping us continue our work.