Local sporting clubs are now eligible to apply for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, with the NSW Government providing life-saving technology to people experiencing cardiac emergencies.
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The program commenced in 2017 and provides grants to community sport clubs for half the cost of purchase and maintenance of an Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Kendall Tennis Club has been successful in applying for the grant and is awaiting the arrival of their new defibrillator.
President Wendy Hudson said it would not be possible to have the expensive machine if not for the grant.
"It's very important to have the defibrillator here at the club given we have such a large number of members," she said.
"We have a large community and often an ambulance can take some time to arrive, so to have the defibrillator here is a huge bonus for the club and our community."
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said access to defibrillators in sporting clubs increases the chance of survival by up to 75 per cent for patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
“For many of our residents, access to a defibrillator could be the difference between life or death.” Mrs Williams said.
“Across the state, the NSW government will aim to provide more than 2,500 life-saving defibrillators to local communities and I strongly urge eligible local clubs to consider applying.”
Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said the Local Sport Defibrillator Program has assisted over 400 sporting organisations attain the life-saving technology during the first round of the programs scheduled four year duration.
“With over 7,000 people experiencing out of hospital cardiac arrest in NSW every year, immediate access to CPR and defibrillation at local sports grounds is vital,” Mr Ayres said.
“In 2018, we hope to increase the availability of defibrillators at community-based sports facilities and improve the likelihood of survival for incidents of cardiac arrest.”
“Clubs receive 50 per cent towards the funding and maintenance of a defibrillator, with clubs in NSW’s Far West region set to benefit from a 75 per cent co-contribution from the program.
Applications close 14 September 2018. Details about applications and eligibility can be found at sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/defibrillator.