March 2018
More than 430 defibrillators are set to be rolled out at community sportsgrounds and grassroots clubs across the state.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres today announced the first round of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillation Program with Member for Wollondilly Jai Rowell while visiting the Bowral Rugby Union Club in the Southern Highlands, one of many organisations that will receive a life saving portable device.
“We know this program will save lives. The installation of more than 430 defibrillators will make sport safer for thousands of players and spectators,” Mr Ayres said.
“More than 33,000 Australians experience cardiac arrest every year and early access to CPR and defibrillation can influence survival rates by up to 75 percent.”
More than 2,500 defibrillators will be installed at community sporting facilities over the next four years as part of the $4 million program.
Mr Rowell said: “I encourage more local sporting clubs and councils to apply for a grant when round two of the program opens in the middle of this year. Having a defibrillator at your club could mean the difference between life and death.”
Secretary of Bowral Rugby Ian Dwyer said: “It is great to know this winter our players and our passionate band of local rugby enthusiasts will have this extra safeguard.”
The NSW Government is funding up to 50 per cent of the defibrillator cost, along with training and maintenance support. For more information visit: sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator