Sporting and recreation clubs across the Coffs Coast have secured new life-saving equipment through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Program.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said it was vital these organisations were equipped to respond to life-threatening situations.
“Whether it’s on the footy field or on the beach, the great outdoors is a key part of the Coffs Coast lifestyle,” Mr Singh said.
“I’m pleased more and more local organisations can have access to a defibrillator in the event of a cardiac arrest.”
The Local Sport Defibrillator Program is allocating more than $6000 to our region – the recipients are Coffs Harbour City Council (for use by baseball and other sports), Westside Tennis Club, Woolgoolga District Netball Association and Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club.
The NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program assists councils, sports and recreation clubs across the State to purchase and maintain Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee encouraged sports and recreation clubs and councils to take advantage of the life-saving program.
“In NSW, up to 7,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year,” Mr Lee said.
“Medical experts say the first eight minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical and early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival.
“This is a life-saving program and I encourage all sporting organisations and councils to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Grants are available under the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program with the current round open until 12 April 2021. For further information on the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator
