5 February 2025

 

THE defibrillator funding was awarded to 193 sport and recreation organisations under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program which provides up to $3,000 for the purchase, installation, and training in new automated external defibrillators.

 

The Hon. David Harris Member for Wyong said, “Installation of Defibrillators in local sports facilities and recreation areas throughout the Wyong electorate and Central Coast is a crucial investment in the health and well-being of its residents.

 

“It is essential that our local sport facilities are equipped with this life-saving technology to provide a secure and supportive environment for residents and visitors to engage in physical activity.”

 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “The Local Sport Defibrillator Program equips sports clubs to be able respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies at their sports facilities.

 

“And with the first few minutes following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest critical, the NSW Government is ensuring people participating in sport and active have access to this potentially life-saving equipment.

 

“This investment by the NSW Government has the potential to mean the difference between life and death.”

 

Liesl Tesch Member for Gosford commented that sport was a way of life for the Central Coast community, and that it was vital that our local sporting organisations have access to the equipment needed to keep our community safe while they get active.

 

“Having access to defibrillators can be the difference between life and death in an emergency, and it is fantastic that four new organisations across the Gosford electorate will now have access to this life-saving technology,” Ms Tesch said.

 

“The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides a critical source of funding for this equipment at local sports facilities, ensuring that our community has access to life-saving equipment, when they need it most.”

 

David Mehan Member for The Entrance said, “With more people than ever participating in sport and active recreation in The Entrance electorate, it’s vital that our local facilities are equipped with these potentially life-saving devices.

 

“I congratulate the recipients and commend them for prioritising the safety and well-being of their participants.”

 

Founder, Heartbeat of Football Andy Paschalidis applauded the NSW Government for the ongoing defibrillator rollout programme, which is saving lives.

 

“Last year, at least six footballers in Sydney alone were saved because of defibrillator access at their grounds and the rapid response by individuals trained in CPR," Mr Paschalidis said.

 

“It’s wonderful to see 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these life saving devices.”

 

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said, “Around 10,000 people in NSW suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, and currently the vast majority will die.

 

“Being able to access a defibrillator in those crucial first minutes can make all the difference, so it’s incredibly heartening to see that almost 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these lifesaving devices. This will help keep families together.

 

“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.”

 

The Central Coast recipients include:

 

• Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc - Central Coast

 

• Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW)

 

• The Scuba Gym Australia Ltd

 

• Woy Woy Tennis Club

 

• Fred Hollow Archery Club

 

• Lee Academy Youth Enterprises Ltd

 

• North Entrance Surf Life Saving Club

 

• Shelly Beach Fossils

 

• Central Coast Squash Association

 

• Norah Hammerheads Spearfishing Club Inc

 

• Warnervale Bulls Junior Rugby League Football Club Incorporated

 

Yesterday's announcement brings the number of devices awarded since the program commenced to more than 2,500.

 

To view the full list of recipients, visit Defibrillator Grant Program.

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