Supporting community safety at Peats Ridge Public School

Boral’s Peats Ridge Quarry has made a practical contribution to the local community, with Quarry Manager Jordan Bertucci recently donating an automated external defibrillator (AED) to Peats Ridge Public School.

Located in the Central Coast hinterland of New South Wales, Peats Ridge is a small, close-knit rural community, with a population of just a few hundred residents spread across a wide area. For local services like schools, access to nearby emergency support can be limited, making on-site equipment especially important. 

Peats Ridge Public School itself is a small primary school serving the surrounding rural area, with a very low student enrolment and strong ties to the local community. 

A practical contribution that can make a difference

Automated external defibrillators are designed to respond quickly to cardiac emergencies by helping restore a normal heart rhythm. In situations where emergency services may not be immediately available, early access to an AED can be critical.

“In such a small community, access to critical emergency equipment can make a significant difference. It helps not only the school, but also the wider Peats Ridge community,” said Principal Robynne Scott.

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning and requires immediate response. Access to defibrillators in public places such as schools improves preparedness and can significantly increase the chance of survival when combined with early intervention. 

Supporting the local community

For Jordan, the donation reflects a broader connection between the quarry and the people who live nearby.

“Our operations are part of this community,” he said. “It’s important that we give back in meaningful ways and support local families where we can.”

In rural communities, schools often play a central role beyond education, acting as gathering places for families, events and local activities. Providing equipment like an AED helps extend that support beyond the classroom and into the wider community.

A simple step with lasting impact

The addition of the AED provides peace of mind for staff, students and families, knowing that critical equipment is within reach if ever needed.

While it is a small gesture, it reflects the kind of practical support that can have a meaningful and lasting impact in regional communities.