The public school’s P&C has been fundraising for a defibrillator for some months and never expected to exceed its target of $6000. The fundraising was given a major boost by a recent trivia night and auction, which saw the total reach about $6500, covering both the purchase and training for the devices.

A defibrillator now resides at the school and the second defibrillator is at the Commercial Hotel, which was chosen because of its opening hours.

P&C president Casey West said a number of incidents at the school led to the push for the life-saving devices.

In June, Ms West said it was a 37-minute round trip from Gunnedah District Hospital to Curlewis, with the added possibility of having to stop for a train.

The Curlewis resident said the P&C was excited about the result and was thankful to everyone who contributed and supported the project.

“Everyone’s really positive and we were all relieved that we were able to achieve our goal,” she said.

“The community is behind us, so we want to give back to the community,” she said.

School principal Peter Baum said it was good to see the P&C gift the community with a defibrillator.

“It’s exciting to see the P&C giving back into the community to support the community that supported us,” he said.

“The school is thrilled to have a defibrillator available and hope that it’s never used or needed.”

Mr Baum said the P&C would maintain the two defibrillators long-term, making it an “ongoing project”.