Life-saving defibrillators for five Lake Macquarie sporting clubs

Five sporting organisations in the Lake Macquarie electorate have been awarded State funding for life-saving defibrillators which will be installed at their clubhouses and grounds.

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said it was great to see local groups submitting successful applications under the first round of the State Government’s Local Sport Defibrillation Program.

Among the recipients are Hunter Mountain Bike Association, Lake Macquarie Rowing Club, Lake Macquarie Rugby Union Club, Morisset Country Club and Toronto Croquet Club.

“I’m really pleased that local groups have shown interest in this program and been able to secure grants,” Mr Piper said.

“These portable machines save lives and the more of them we have in our community, the more chance we have of avoiding unexpected tragedy.

“This is only the first round of the State-sponsored program, so I’m hopeful that other sporting and community groups seek grants in the next round. Applications will open mid-year,” he said.

“Under this initiative, the Government will provide up to 50 per cent of the defibrillator cost, training and maintenance, so it’s well worth pursuing.”

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres agreed that the defibrillators will help to save lives.

“More than 30,000 Australians experience cardiac arrest every year and early access to CPR and defibrillation can influence survival rates by up to 75 per cent,” he said.

“Under this program, more than 250 defibrillators will be installed statewide at community facilities over the next four years at a cost of $4 million.”