New station boasts first-aid training facility to better serve town

The health and safety of the Onslow community has been boosted after construction of the new St John Ambulance station finished this month.

Works on the new facility, located on the corner of McGrath Avenue and Otway Court near Onslow Health Campus, began in May and saw the ambulance sub-centre combine with a first-aid training facility.

Delivered by Southern City Building Group, the works included a four-bay garage, two dedicated quiet rooms for staff and a large training room for volunteer and first aid training.

St John WA country operations leader Justin Fonte said the need for a new centre was created because of increased community use and new volunteers.

“The new centre will better serve the Onslow community, allowing volunteers to conduct more first aid training courses and assist more people,” he said.

“We would like to thank the community, our staff and local volunteers for their tremendous dedication and donations.”

Wheatstone plant manager Deanne Renting said St John staff and volunteers provided a vital role in keeping the community safe.

“Chevron Australia is proud to support these local Onslow heroes and play a role in delivering improved health services to benefit present and future generations,” she said.

In May Mr Fonte said the project was able to happen because of a $2 million contribution from Chevron Australia, the ongoing support of the Western Australian Government from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and the Shire of Ashburton.

Last year the St John Onslow team helped train 50 people in first aid and attended 150 call-outs.