Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging sporting clubs to apply for Round Two of the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, with the NSW Government providing life-saving technology to people experiencing cardiac emergencies.
The program commenced in 2017 and provides grants to community sport clubs for half the cost of purchase and maintenance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Ms Cooke 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.” Ms Cooke said.
“This is such a fantastic program which the sporting community have really embraced.
“In Round One the Cootamundra electorate secured $29,900 to help buy 23 of these life-saving devices and I’m thrilled the opportunity has come up again.”
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 September 14 2018.
Details about applications and eligibility can be found at sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/defibrillator.
