On September 14, as the world marked World First Aid Day, a significant event took place at Eastland Shopping Centre. The grand opening of Australia’s very first St John Ambulance First Aid Shop and training hub drew an impressive crowd of over 500 people, highlighting a fundamental step forward in community safety and education. 

The new store at Eastland isn't just a retail space; it’s also the link connecting the crucial first aid skills gap in our community. Recent research from St John Ambulance Victoria shows the urgency of this initiative. The findings reveal a concerning disconnect between the frequency of emergencies faced by parents and their confidence to respond effectively. Specifically, 44% of Aussie parents with children at home have encountered a health or medical emergency in the past year. Despite this, 46% of these parents feel unprepared to administer first aid, and 26% have never undergone any first aid training. 

The broader statistics are equally alarming: 53% of all adults lack confidence in providing first aid, and 31% have no formal training. These figures prove the critical need for accessible, high-quality first aid education. 

The shop at Eastland aims to address this gap directly. The store will serve as a comprehensive training hub offering a range of first aid classes. Whether you're interested in CPR, first aid for children, or mental health support, this new facility will provide essential skills that could make a life-saving difference in emergencies. 

Greg Balmforth, General Manager of Eastland, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “Eastland is passionate about enhancing community access to vital first aid training services. The new St John Ambulance store and training hub make it more convenient for people to gain these critical skills right where they shop. By providing these opportunities, we’re helping to equip individuals with the knowledge they need to potentially save lives.” 

This engaging approach not only attracted a large crowd but also emphasised the importance of making first aid education both accessible and enjoyable. 

Gordon Botwright, CEO of St John Ambulance Victoria, highlighted the significance of the new shop: “Today’s opening is a historic milestone as we launch the St John Ambulance Shop at Eastland. This initiative, supported by Eastland’s commitment to community well-being, provides a convenient platform for people to gain life-saving skills. Together, we’re tackling a critical skills gap and empowering individuals to respond effectively in emergencies.” 

As we reflect on the success of this event and the positive impact it promises, it’s clear that the St John Ambulance First Aid Shop at Eastland is more than just a new location; it’s a key development in promoting a safer, more prepared community. 

For more information on upcoming courses visit the Eastland website or check out St John's First Aid Shop and Training Center, Level 1, Shop 1066 175 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood VIC 3134.