Community sporting organisations across the Electorate of Cessnock can now apply for grants of up to $3,000 to purchase potentially life-saving defibrillators through the 2026 Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $500,000 to help eligible sporting organisations purchase, install and maintain Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), as well as provide training, improving safety at local sporting facilities across NSW.
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, and every minute without defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of survival.
Sporting clubs often face financial barriers to purchasing and maintaining an AED and this program helps more organisations access this essential equipment.
Since the Program’s introduction in 2017, more than 2,500 AEDs have been installed at community sport and recreation facilities across NSW, supporting sporting organisations to improve emergency preparedness and participant safety.
To enhance emergency response efforts, support community safety and improve public access to equipment in the event of cardiac emergencies, all devices that receive funding under this year’s program will be listed on the GoodSAM AED Registry.
Applications for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program close 7 October 2026 or earlier if available funding is exhausted. For further information and to apply, visit the NSW Government grants and funding page.
State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“With more people than ever participating in sport and active recreation in the Electorate of Cessnock it’s vital that our sports facilities are equipped to respond to potentially life-threatening incidents.
“I urge our local sporting organisations to apply for a grant to have this equipment installed at their facilities.”
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:
“We know every minute counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and having a defibrillator close by can save lives.
“That’s why we’re helping more community sporting organisations install this vital equipment and be better prepared if an emergency happens.
“I encourage eligible organisations to apply for funding.”
Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute said:
“Being able to access a defibrillator quickly and easily could be the difference between life and death for someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.
“Survival rates can more than double if a defibrillator is used in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest.
“Currently less than one in 10 people who have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital will survive.
“This is a sobering statistic but it’s one we can change for the better by installing more of these lifesaving devices in sports clubs across the state.”