SPORTING groups and Councils in the Northern Tablelands electorate are today being given a jolt and encouraged to apply for funding towards potentially life-saving equipment, with MP Adam Marshall announcing the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program is now open.
Mr Marshall said the program helped equip sports and public facilities with the equipment to respond to life-threatening situations.
“I’d love to see an AED at every sporting facility in our region – it may be the difference between life and death for someone,” Mr Marshall said.
“Since 2017, 25 organisations from across the region have accessed $36,783 from this grant program.
“This round eligible organisations in the New England North West are able to access up to $1,300 of the purchase cost of one of these devices.
“Medical experts say the first eight minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical and that early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival.
“With more and more people remaining active at an older age, early access to a defibrillator could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a heart attack.
“Modern devices are designed to be used without any medical training, improving survival rates for the 33,000 Australians who experience cardiac arrest each year.”
The scheme is targeting community sports clubs, but applications from licensed sporting clubs and sports organisations associated with schools, churches, universities, and councils will also be considered.
The program is open until 12 April 2021.
For more information and to apply, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator