Cessnock is one of several electorates that will share in $500,000 from the NSW Government through a program that installs life-saving defibrillators at sports facilities.
The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides grants up to $3,000 to eligible sporting organisations towards the purchase of automated external defibrillators.
The NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in sport in the most disadvantaged areas have access to this life-saving equipment, so they are equipped to respond to life-threatening emergencies.
The Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations, and organisations as well as councils and service clubs in Cessnock.
Applications close 24 February 2024, at 1:00PM. For further information on the Local Sports Defibrillator Program, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program
Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“With more and more people of all ages participating in sport and active recreation across Cessnock, it’s vital our local sporting organisations are equipped to respond to life-threating emergencies.
“The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program supports sporting groups and organisations to install this equipment at local sports facilities, enabling them to respond in the worst-case scenario.”
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:
“Sport is a great leveller, and the NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in sport in all areas of the State have access to this life-saving equipment.
“The first few minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical and access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death.
“This program ensures clubs are equipped to respond to these life-threatening emergencies.”
Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said:
“Sudden cardiac death is rare, but it can strike anyone at any time, and when it does every minute counts.
“If you have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital you only have a one in 10 chance of survival.
“Defibrillators save lives; we need more across NSW and in as many sporting clubs as possible.
“We also need to ensure that players across all sporting codes know how to use a defibrillator to give their teammates the best chance of survival.”