He is Dubbo’s 2019 citizen of the year, an accolade the first-aid trainer was overwhelmed to receive.

Mr Chapman was honoured for working tirelessly to have 35 Automated External Defibrillators placed in strategic places around Dubbo.

“I am very grateful to receive the award, but also a little embarrassed because getting awards was not the reason I set out to install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in high traffic areas of Dubbo,” he said.

“Getting the award has taken the wind out of my sails a little bit.

“I have been in first aid for more than 25 years and when my wife and I went to Singapore and saw AEDs on every corner, I wondered why we couldn't have that in Dubbo.

“Heart disease is this country’s leading cause of death and survival rates of cardiac arrest go up dramatically if there is an AED nearby that can be used on the person before paramedics arrive.”

Mr Chapman sourced sponsorship funds from local businesses, organisations and government departments to purchase as many AEDs as possible.

He then worked hard to source media attention for his crusade and to alert the local community to the importance of the life-saving devices and the locations of where they might find them if needed.

Mr Chapman said it is essential to get the support of people in the community, from its leaders to the man in the street and the media.

“Any award like this shows the level of support I am getting to do this,” he said.

“Placing AEDs into places they can do good has the council’s support, the police, the ambulance and the average person in town, they’ve all told me they appreciate what I am doing. 

“This award will allow me to get more in town in more places that they are needed, I’d like to see them on every corner in every city and town in Australia, I know that’s not going to happen, but what we’ve done here in Dubbo is a good start.”

Mayor Ben Shields said Mr Chapman was a worthy recipient of the award and had made a “fantastic contribution” to Dubbo.