Dingo residents are better protected in the case of an emergency thanks to the donation of a defibrillator which has been installed outside the library and can be accessed by anyone in need.

The donation was made as part of the launch of Magnetic South’s pre-construction Community Benefit Fund, which is now open and taking applications.

Magnetic South Communications Manager Sharni Mancell said the Fund is designed to provide residents from the Dingo district with an opportunity to apply for grants of up to $2,000 to support programs and events that help create a strong, vibrant and healthy community.

“Our priority is to support applications that will facilitate events, experiences and opportunities that would otherwise have been unavailable,” Sharni said.

“Whether you’re seeking funding for footy jerseys, new water taps at the school, or things like the purchase of the new defibrillator, then we want to hear from you.”

Local Dingo resident Anne Capewell welcomed the availability of funding from Magnetic South and encouraged interested residents to apply.

“We’re thrilled to have facilitated the purchase of the defibrillator which is the first item donated by the Fund,” Anne said.

“Being such a small community it is hard to get funding and we usually have to do a lot of fundraising to secure items like this, so to be able to apply for funding from Magnetic South is fantastic and it’s going to be beneficial for everyone.

“It means we now have defibrillators located on both sides of the highway which gives me great peace of mind if there’s an emergency.

“The closest ambulance service is in Duaringa which is about 20 minutes away or Blackwater which is half an hour away and that is just too long to wait.”

Residents have four opportunities each year to apply for funding. Applications must address the Magnetic South focus areas and be received by the closing date for each round.

All applications undergo an assessment process conducted by Magnetic South’s Community Benefit Fund Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from a cross section of the local community.