As International Women’s Day approaches this Sunday, 8 March, the 2026 theme #givetogain shines a light on women whose contributions strengthen their communities.

In Cowra, Samantha Sculthorpe is one such woman, quietly transforming awareness around first aid and saving lives through action.

Over the past eight years, Samantha has raised approximately $30,000 to install defibrillators across Cowra’s schools, businesses and public spaces.

What began as a modest goal to fund three units quickly grew to 10, each installed free of charge with the help of her husband.

Her fundraising efforts have had a direct, practical impact, ensuring that life-saving equipment is readily accessible when every second counts.

Samantha also organised a memorable fundraising event featuring Greg Page, who shared his personal experience with cardiac arrest, further reinforcing the importance of community awareness and preparedness.

Beyond fundraising, Samantha is deeply committed to education.

She runs nationally recognised first aid courses for ages 13 and up, as well as specialised children’s courses to ensure even the youngest members of the community understand the basics of emergency response, with her business First Aid Awareness And Training.

“We run nationally recognized first aid courses,” Samantha said.

“We run them for ages 13 and up, and we also do kids first aid courses as well for younger kids so they can understand the basics of first aid.”

In a move to address an often overlooked barrier to CPR, Samantha has incorporated female specific training into her courses.

“I bought female mannequins to promote CPR for women,” she said.

“A lot of people are scared of sexual harassment or have questions about what to do with our breasts.”

“I have purchased female mannequins, and they’re incorporated into the course now, and female specific CPR is taught in all my courses.”

Her proactive approach ensures that participants feel confident responding in real life emergencies, regardless of gender.

For Samantha, International Women’s Day is about acknowledging the invisible load many women carry.

“I just find women do a lot,” she said.

“You’ve got your business, you’ve got your work and everything.”

“But then you also look after the family.”

“You also clean the house.”

“All that goes unnoticed.”

When asked which women she would like to spotlight, Samantha did not hesitate to recognise local contributions.

“There is Laura from the Cowra Hospital, Laura Proctor,” she said.

“She’s fantastic.”

“She’s so good.”

“Going to her as a first time mum, she just makes you feel comfortable, and she makes you feel confident, and she does a lot for the community.”

In addition to her local efforts, Samantha noted her organisation’s broader mission.

“The other thing First Aid Awareness And Training do is we donate and put heaps of defibrillators around Australia,” she said.

Through fundraising, training sessions and community education, Samantha continues to empower Cowra with life saving skills, embodying the #givetogain message in its truest sense.

Her work is a reminder that real change often begins with one person willing to give their time, energy and heart to others and that the impact can ripple far beyond what’s seen.