Life-Saving AED Installed at Sylvania Athletics Track, Thanks to Local Clubs
Julie Moon (Tradies), Brooke Collins (Staying Alive Health), Sonia Lewis (Port Hacking Little Athletics Club), Stephen Hooper (Diggers Miranda RSL) & Nathan Whiteside (Cronulla RSL) with the lifesaving device.
A new life-saving Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been installed at Sylvania Athletics Track, made possible by a ClubGRANTS partnership among Tradies, Cronulla RSL and Miranda RSL.
This installation responds to a need identified by Port Hacking Little Athletics Club (PHLAC), whose members highlighted the risks associated with the lack of a 24/7 accessible AED in a space used by the local community, schools and other athletic groups.
Access to an AED within the first five minutes of a cardiac arrest can improve survival chances by up to 70 per cent, according to emergency health guidelines. The nearest AED prior to this installation was several minutes away, underscoring the critical need for the on-site device.
Installed and managed by Staying Alive Health, the AED is a Rotaid 24/7 G4G model with a fully monitored security cabinet connected to the Telstra Network, featuring an Apple AirTag for precise location tracking. This advanced AED also includes a Real Help CPR large colour screen that displays clear, step-by-step rescue messages, supporting responders in high-stress situations.
Cronulla RSL CEO Nathan Whiteside praised the collaboration.
"It’s inspiring to see Cronulla RSL, Tradies and Miranda RSL come together to support this crucial initiative. Having a 24/7 accessible AED at the Sylvania Athletics Track not only prioritises safety but also reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of all community members,” he said.
Tradies Group General Manager Jason McMaster agreed.
“This is a great example of how local clubs and the ClubGRANTS program provide vital financial support for our community,” he said.
“We congratulate the Port Hacking Little Athletics Club on identifying this need and thank Cronulla RSL and Miranda RSL for joining us in making the Sylvania Athletics Track a safer space for all.”
Miranda RSL CEO Sara Watkins shared said that a community-focused club, Miranda RSL as proud to support this initiative.
“The AED is a vital resource for everyone who uses Sylvania Athletics Tracks and represents a proud collaborative commitment with Cronulla RSL, Tradies and the Port Hacking Little Athletics Club to improve community safety with life-saving equipment. As a former Little Athletics participant myself, it’s especially meaningful to help our community feel more confident and prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency’’.
The AED installation was timed perfectly for the start of the PHLAC athletics season, ensuring the track’s users have immediate access to lifesaving equipment as activities ramp up. The addition of this AED reinforces the facility's role as a safe, inclusive space for everyone — from young athletes to fitness enthusiasts.
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