A DEFIBRILLATOR in Mt Eliza has been used to help save a person’s life just weeks after it was installed.
The automated external defibrillator (AED), located at Mt Eliza Village Green, was used by local GoodSAM responders during a recent medical emergency before the ambulance arrived.
Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said council is grateful the life-saving equipment was available when it was needed.
“It saved someone’s life the other week, which was fantastic, and we are going to proceed with two more [AEDs],” said Batty.
The AED was recently installed in Mt Eliza through a partnership with the Ranelagh Club and Bendigo Bank (New defibrillator installed in Mt Eliza, The News 11/06/26).
“It’s just fantastic that Bendigo Bank and Ranelagh Club decided they would put surplus funds into providing defibs in Mount Eliza,” said Batty.
He said plans are underway to source funds for the two new defibrillators and increased public awareness of AED locations will be a priority.
“I know from being a golfer that it’s all very well to have these, but we must alert the community where they are,” said Batty.
“Once we get the other two installed, I’m going to put out a notification to the community to say, ‘We have three or four defibs in our area, and this is where they’re located’.”
Batty said a community sausage sizzle and first aid demonstration will be held at the Village Green in August to help educate residents and teach them how to use a defibrillator under the guide of first aid instructors.
There were community reports suggesting the unit had been vandalised, but Defibrillators Australia confirmed the device was taken to hospital as part of the standard post-use process.
The AED was then collected from the hospital and is now being serviced as the electrode pads require replacement before it can be returned.
Community members, GoodSAM responders, FRV, and Ambulance Victoria have been thanked for their contribution to the incident and its successful response.
First published in the Mornington News – 7 July 2026
