The funding was awarded to 193 sport and recreation organisations under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program which provides up to $3,000 for the purchase, installation, and training in new automated external defibrillators (AED).

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

More than 2,500 devices have been awarded since the program commenced.

Birubi Point SLSC will utilise the $1,867.50 in funding to purchase an AED to improve the safety of Nippers activities.

“The unit will be stored in our emergency first aid kit designated for the Nippers division and transported to all off-site activities,” a club spokesperson said.

“Trained members will utilise it when necessary.

“During winter months, it will also be available for public emergencies, prompting us to consider a cabinet for secure storage.”

Member for Port Stephens MP Kate Washington highlighted the importance of the program.

“It’s so important that people have access to life-saving defibrillators wherever they may experience cardiac arrest, be it on the beach or a football field,” she said.

“The NSW Government is delighted to be backing the Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club, so they can continue doing what they do best – keeping our community and visitors safe.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the Local Sport Defibrillator Program equips sports clubs to respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies at their sports facilities.

“The first few minutes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are critical, that is why the NSW Government is ensuring people participating in sport activities have access to potentially life-saving equipment,” he said.

“This investment by the NSW Government has the potential to mean the difference between life and death.”

Around 10,000 people in NSW suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, and currently the vast majority will die.

“This is a sobering statistic but it’s one we can change for the better by installing more of these lifesaving devices in sports clubs across the state,” said Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

“Being able to access a defibrillator in those crucial first minutes can make all the difference.”