THE HorsePower Hills team has extended its heartfelt thanks to Jenny and Graham Loftus for arranging a generous donation of two first aid kits and a defibrillator, courtesy of the St John Morangup sub-centre.

HorsePower Hills delivers equestrian programs for people with disabilities across two centres - Sawyers Valley and West Swan.

As part of this donation, Sawyers Valley received a modular trauma first aid pack, while West Swan was equipped with a portable first aid kit.

Additionally, a new defibrillator has been installed at HorsePower Hills’ recently acquired property in Chidlow.

HorsePower Hills coaches are required to be trained in first aid and CPR and were very excited to unpack and explore the new first aid kits along with their volunteers.

The Sawyers Valley centre took the opportunity to test the new modular trauma first aid pack at their morning tea, after a fulfilling morning of hippotherapy.

“What started as a quick look turned into an engaging, hands-on session, and everyone was amazed by the quality and thoughtful design of these vital resources,” Sawyers Valley head coach Willie Warnock said.

“They quickly agreed that this wasn’t just any first aid kit. The modular trauma first aid pack is designed for high-risk and remote environments, making it a perfect match for HorsePower Hills’ rural settings and horse-based activities in Sawyers Valley.”

Developed using the expertise of St John Ambulance volunteers, this 6.5 kilo backpack contains seven specialised modules that are clearly labelled and ready for rapid response.

“The pack includes materials to address all kinds of situations. We can treat burns, all kinds of wounds from minor to major, fractures and sprains, and administer CPR,” Mr Warnock said.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the defibrillator, which has been installed at our new property in Chidlow on Cleaver Street. This life-saving device is accessible to the wider community, offering support not just to HorsePower Hills but to anyone in need in the local area.

“This defibrillator is registered on the St John first responder app, so anyone can locate it quickly in an emergency.”

In an emergency, the 000 operator will provide a code to unlock the box, ensuring the unit remains secure but is accessible when urgently needed, whether for a visitor, team member, or someone in the community.

At the morning the West Swan centre’s physiotherapist, Nicky Bushell, also thanked the couple along with the St John Morangup sub-centre.

“Jenny has been a dedicated long-term volunteer at both HorsePower and Riding for the Disabled Australia and her commitment to our community is truly inspiring,” Ms Bushell said.

“We’re deeply grateful to her for arranging the generous donation from the St John’s Morangup sub-centre.

“With her husband Graham volunteering as an ambulance officer there, it’s clear that supporting the local community is a shared value in their family - and a core goal of the sub-centre itself. Thank you, Jenny and Graham, for your ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference.”

Shire of Mundaring has also given the HorsePower Hills team a grant to update its CPR training in July to ensure it is ready to use the first aid kit and the defibrillator effectively.

The training is delivered by the St John Morangup sub-centre, which further strengthens the relationship between the two volunteer groups.