SPORTING clubs and organisations across the Moree Plains have the opportunity to apply for a share of $500,000 in funding from the NSW Government for new life-saving defibrillators.

The equipment is funded under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program which provides up to $3000 to eligible sporting organisations across New South Wales for the purchase of automated external defibrillators at sports facilities.

Since the Program commenced, more than 2000 defibrillators have been installed at sports facilities across the State.

Applications close November 27, 2024 or when funding is exhausted and Moree Plains Shire sporting clubs are encouraged to apply.

For further information, including expanded eligibility criteria, see guidelines at: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program

“With more than 9,000 out of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in NSW each year, the first few minutes following an incident are critical, and access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death,” said Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper.

“The NSW Government wants to ensure people participating in sport have access to this life-saving equipment.

“The Local Sport Defibrillator Program ensures clubs are equipped to respond to these life-threatening emergencies.”

Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Professor Jamie Vandenberg, said being able to access a defibrillator quickly and easily could be the difference between life and death for someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

“In fact, survival rates nearly double if a defibrillator is used in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest,” Prof Vandenberg said.

“Currently just one in 10 people who have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital will survive.

“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.”