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In a major boost to community safety, sporting organisations across the Hunter Region will soon be equipped with new defibrillators, thanks to the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program. Almost 200 clubs and facilities statewide received funding under the program, which provides up to $3,000 for the purchase, installation and training in automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Premier Chris Minns said the rollout could be the difference between life and death, noting that each year more than 9,000 people across NSW suffer cardiac arrest outside of hospital.
“Access to one of these defibrillators can be the difference between life and death,” Mr Minns said. “Delivering hundreds of new devices to sporting organisations across our state will give more people the confidence to exercise and play sport safely.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper explained that 80 per cent of the awarded defibrillators went to regional and remote communities under this latest funding round.
“The first few minutes following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are critical,” Mr Kamper said. “We’re ensuring our grassroots sporting clubs have access to this potentially life-saving equipment.”
The Hunter Region and surrounds have secured 18 new defibrillators. Those recipients include:
Newcastle and Maitland lead the way
State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, applauded the efforts of local organisations in prioritising participant safety.
“With more people than ever participating in sport and active recreation in Newcastle, it’s vital our local facilities are equipped with life-saving devices,” he said. “I congratulate the YWCA Hunter Region and commend them for focusing on the well-being of their players and the broader community.”
In Maitland, Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison acknowledged the important role defibrillators play in community sport.
“Sport is so important to our Maitland community. It contributes to our health, our social well-being and the local economy,” Ms Aitchison said. “If we can prevent the loss of life through better access to defibrillators, that’s a wonderful outcome.”
Grassroots focus
The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program has now delivered more than 2,500 devices since its inception. It targets grassroots clubs, many of which are in regional and remote areas where emergency services can be further away.
Andy Paschalidis, founder of Heartbeat of Football, welcomed the focus on providing AEDs to community-level clubs.
“At least six footballers in Sydney alone were saved last year because of quick access to defibrillators,” Mr Paschalidis said. “It’s wonderful to see local sporting clubs in the Hunter joining this life-saving initiative.”
Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Professor Jamie Vandenberg, emphasised the urgency of addressing cardiac arrest in its first critical minutes.
“Around 10,000 people in NSW suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, and currently the vast majority will die,” Professor Vandenberg said. “Being able to access a defibrillator quickly makes all the difference and helps keep families together.”
Community pride and safety
By installing AEDs at sports grounds, clubhouses and community halls, local sporting organisations in the Hunter are taking charge of participant welfare. From soccer matches and rugby league games to surf lifesaving activities and sailing regattas, these devices will be on standby, ready to intervene when every second matters.
To view the full list of grant recipients across NSW, visit the Office of Sport website at: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program.
About the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program
With these new installations, Hunter Region clubs are set to become safer hubs for everyone who loves sport and the outdoors.
Written by: Newy Staff
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