Around $2500 in State Government funding was initially requested by the soup kitchen and championed by State Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie WIlliams earlier this year.

Mrs Williams and Port Anglican treasurer Ray Peters officially presented the vital medical device to the kitchen on June 12.

"The Wednesday soup kitchen is very popular, sometimes they have up to 120 people here," said Mrs Williams at the event.

"Some visitors are elderly and may be at risk of a cardiac event.

"As a former nurse I know very well that this defibrillator will save lives.

"I absolutely commend the church for their initiative but also that they have gone that one step further and funded a senior first aid course."

In addition to the successful $2500 funding received from the State Government, around 15 volunteers and staff will complete senior first aid training and be trained in using the device on June 29.

Mr Peters said the machine was a welcome safety measure for all community groups using the area.

"It's there as a safety measure for anybody who has a heart problem or may not know they have a heart problem," he said.

"There are more than ten different groups who use the soup kitchen area such as play group, Sunday school and friendship afternoon tea.

"If an emergency arose the church can use it for all ages and circumstances."

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