Grant Program Set to Install Life-Saving Defibrillators at Sports Facilities

The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides grants up to $3,000 to eligible sporting organisations for the purchase of automated external defibrillators. 

The Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations and organisations as well as councils and service clubs in the state’s lowest five socio-economic areas according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data. 

Applications close on 23 February 2024 or when funding is exhausted. For further information on the Local Sports Defibrillator Program, visit the website.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said sport was a great leveller, and the NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in sport in the State’s most disadvantaged areas have access to this life-saving equipment. 

“The first few minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical and access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death,” Minister Kamper said.

“This program ensures clubs in areas least resourced to install them are equipped to respond to life-threatening emergencies.” 

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said sudden cardiac death was rare, but it can strike anyone at any time, and when it does every minute counts. 

“If you have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital you only have a one in 10 chance of survival,” Professor Vandenberg said.

“Defibrillators save lives; we need more across NSW and in as many sporting clubs as possible.”