Community Defib Program 2024: Saving Lives Across the Upper Yarra
We’re excited to announce the recipients of our 2024 Community Defib Program, with five new 24/7 community-accessible defibrillators set to be installed across the Upper Yarra region.
A big thank you to everyone who applied for this life-saving initiative, and congratulations to the following organisations who will be custodians of these vital devices:
- Warburton – ADRA Community Care Centre, Redwood
- East Warburton – Warburton Fire Brigade CFA
- Millgrove – River Valley Church
- Wesburn – Wesburn Primary School
- Yarra Junction – Upper Yarra Basketball Association
Defibrillators play a critical role in increasing survival rates during cardiac arrest. These new installations mean faster access and improved outcomes in emergencies—helping to keep our community safe and prepared.
This initiative, introduced in July 2023, is part of our ongoing commitment to community health and wellbeing. Each year, through our Community Defib Program, we allocate up to $15,000 to fund the installation of five 24/7 accessible units—no quotes or complex applications needed. Successful applicants simply receive a unit fully funded by Community Bank Warburton & Yarra Junction.
Applications for next year’s round open July 2025, so if your organisation could benefit from a community defib, keep an eye out.
Because at UYCE, we believe that supporting local means saving lives—one heartbeat at a time.
Proudly supported by Community Bank Warburton & Yarra Junction
Helping our community thrive—every day.
24/7 Public Defibrillators Now Available in Warburton and Yarra Junction
The communities of Warburton and Yarra Junction now have round-the-clock access to lifesaving defibrillators, thanks to a joint initiative between Upper Yarra Community Enterprise and Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of community banking in the Upper Yarra in 2020, a public access defibrillator was installed outside each of the Community Bank branches—right next to the ATMs on the main streets. These central, well-lit locations were chosen for their visibility, accessibility, and added security, including CCTV monitoring.
“When our team discussed a meaningful way to thank the community for 20 years of support, providing 24/7 access to this lifesaving technology was a clear and values-driven decision,” said Rodney McKail, Chair of Upper Yarra Community Enterprise.
The project was delivered in partnership with Ambulance Victoria’s Yarra Junction team, led by Ambulance Team Manager Shaun Caulfield. “This is a great example of two local organisations—our own Community Bank and Ambulance Victoria—coming together to improve community safety,” Caulfield explained. “We know defibs save lives, and improving access is key to reducing deaths from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.”
While everyone hopes these defibrillators never need to be used, their presence offers reassurance to residents and visitors alike.
“Community is the cornerstone of our philosophy,” added McKail. “This project is just one way we continue to invest in the wellbeing of the Upper Yarra.”
Proudly supported by Community Bank Warburton & Yarra Junction – Backing your community every day.
A Community-Powered Future: The Story of Upper Yarra Community Hydro
Nestled in the steep, lush landscape of the Upper Yarra Valley, a small but mighty hydro project is making a big impact, generating clean, renewable energy while remaining rooted in local values and community spirit.
From Vision to Reality
Inspired by over 100 years of hydroelectric history in Warburton, a passionate group of locals spent nearly a decade turning their vision for a community-owned hydropower station into reality. Completed in 2018, the Warburton Community Hydro Project harnesses the energy of Ythan Creek using low-impact technology—no dams, no major disruption to the environment, and fully funded by the community.
Thanks to a $450,000 grant from the State Government’s New Energy Jobs Fund (via Yarra Ranges Council) and a $450,000 loan from Bendigo Bank, Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd (UYCE) brought the $1.3M project to life. An additional $400,000 investment from UYCE covered final costs.
How It Works
Water is diverted from Ythan Creek through a nearly 900-metre underground pipe to a small, grass-roofed powerhouse hidden within Warburton Golf Club. There, a 100kW turbine generates enough energy to power approximately 150 homes, feeding electricity directly back into the local grid. After powering the turbine, the water is safely returned to the creek—maintaining environmental flow and health.
Environmentally Conscious, Community First
The project was carefully designed to meet strict environmental standards. Baseline water quality data was recorded prior to construction, and systems are in place to monitor and adjust flow rates as needed. Local wildlife—including native fish, platypuses, and surrounding flora—remain protected, with minimal impact on natural habitats.
Supporting the Local Economy
As a fully community-owned project, all revenue from the sale of electricity goes back into the Upper Yarra region through UYCE. Once loans and construction costs are repaid, profits will directly fund local initiatives, providing long-term social and economic benefit.
The Warburton Golf Club, which hosts the discreet powerhouse, receives lease and maintenance support. Yarra Ranges Council played a vital role in the project’s planning and execution, while Powershop—Australia’s greenest power retailer—partnered with UYCE to offer efficient grid connections and special energy deals for local residents.
A Model for the Future
This project is more than just a hydro station—it’s a model for community-led renewable energy. By taking control of energy production and investing profits back into the region, Warburton and the Upper Yarra are proving that small communities can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.
Powering today. Investing in tomorrow. Upper Yarra Community Power—locally made, locally owned, locally powerful.
