THE Moree Sports Health Arts and Education Academy (SHAE) is feeling upbeat after receiving an $1850 grant to purchase a defibrillator, Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan announced today.

SHAE received the grant as part of the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, aimed at providing funds for clubs around recreation facilities around NSW to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Mr Moylan met with SHAE’s chief executive officer Katie Smith to announce the funding.

“The SHAE Academy does fantastic work within the community to deliver education, sports and community programs to local youth,” he said.

“There are hundreds of people who benefit from the numerous programs SHAE Academy provides.

“We know cardiac arrest can affect anyone at any given time. In the event of an emergency, having a defibrillator on-hand is vital for clubs and organisations.

“Research shows a person’s chance of survival increases significantly if a defibrillator is used in conjunction with CPR immediately following cardiac arrest, prior to paramedics arriving.

“Well done to the SHAE Academy for applying for the funding to receive one of these life-saving devices.”

The Academy’s CEO, Katie Smith said SHAE facilitates large numbers of people and it will be excellent to have a defibrillator on-hand in the event of an emergency.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan, SHAE Academy CEO Katie Smith and SHAE Academy Senior Youth Officer Linda Smith.

“Between staff, program participants and community gatherings, there could be anywhere between five to 100-plus people at any one time who will benefit from having the defibrillator on-site,” she said.

Mr Moylan said applications for the 2024-2025 Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program are now open and can be submitted through the NSW Office of Sport’s website: www.sport.nsw.gov.au

“I encourage all sports and recreation groups to put forward applications for funding to purchase one of these life-saving devices,” Mr Moylan said.