A new automated external defibrillator has been installed at a popular swimming location near Alice Springs following the drowning death of South Australian disability advocate Ellen Fraser-Barbour.

Family members, friends and emergency responders gathered at Ellery Creek Big Hole, about 80 kilometres west of Alice Springs, for a small memorial ceremony five months after Fraser-Barbour died at the swimming spot.

The 35-year-old disability advocate drowned while swimming at the location in April 2026. Her family travelled to the site for the unveiling of the new emergency equipment and a plaque remembering her life and contribution to the disability sector.

The defibrillator has been installed as a practical safety measure at the remote location. Automated external defibrillators can provide emergency assistance during cardiac emergencies, potentially giving people at isolated locations access to equipment before an ambulance arrives.

Fraser-Barbour's mother, Susie Fraser, thanked emergency responders and the ambulance service for arranging the installation. She said the initiative provided a positive outcome following the tragedy and created an opportunity to improve safety for people visiting the remote swimming area.

The location presents particular challenges for emergency services because of its distance from Alice Springs. Ambulance representatives said there is no aeromedical response available at the site and that the closest alternative ambulance response can take roughly an hour by road.

The memorial also provided an opportunity for the first responders involved in the original emergency response to meet with Fraser-Barbour's family.

William Sears, duty manager at the Alice Springs Ambulance Station, was involved in the response following Fraser-Barbour's drowning. He said the incident had been difficult for ambulance staff because of the challenges associated with providing emergency healthcare in remote Central Australia.

The new equipment is intended to provide an additional emergency resource for visitors to Ellery Creek Big Hole. The swimming location is a popular destination in the West Mac Donnell Ranges and can attract visitors travelling through Central Australia.

St John Ambulance Northern Territory regional manager Abbey Studley said the installation also had significance for frontline emergency workers. Emergency responders do not often have the opportunity to meet families after tragedies or participate in later commemorations.

Fraser-Barbour was remembered by her family as someone who made a lasting contribution to the disability sector. Her sister described her as a passionate person who had a strong impact on her family, friends and wider community.

The installation of the defibrillator means the site now has an additional piece of emergency equipment that could be used while waiting for professional medical assistance.

The memorial therefore combines remembrance with a practical safety measure intended to help future visitors to the remote Central Australian swimming location.