Cessnock clubs receive defibrillators under NSW sport safety program

newy.com.au – Community sport facilities in the Cessnock electorate will receive new defibrillators under a NSW Government program aimed at improving safety at grounds and recreation venues across the state.

The State Government has announced clubs in the electorate are among 190 sporting organisations across NSW to receive the lifesaving equipment through the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, which provides up to $3,000 to eligible sport and active recreation groups to buy automated external defibrillators at sports facilities.

Recipients in the electorate are Greta Workers Sports and Recreation Club Ltd, Hunter Valley Football Association Incorporated and Cessnock Pistol Club Incorporated.

Since the program began, more than 2,500 defibrillators have been awarded for use at sport and recreation facilities across NSW. The NSW Government said the program also forms part of a broader investment in safety at sporting venues, including a $150,000 grant to the Heartbeat of Football Foundation to research which sports facilities have AEDs installed. That research began in September 2025 and is intended to help guide future government investment.

Sport Minister Steve Kamper said: “More than 190 clubs across NSW are now better equipped with defibrillators, building on over 2,400 delivered with investment by the Minns Government backing safer community sport.”

“When every second counts, this equipment saves lives, ensuring players, volunteers and spectators can step onto the field with confidence and get home safely.”

Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said the grants would strengthen safety at local venues. “This vitally important grant program is helping to save lives as when both CPR is performed and an AED is used within the first 3 to 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest survival rates increase by up to 60–70 per cent.”

“This equipment will make a significant difference to safety at our local sport facilities.”