Sporting organisations in Penrith have shared in $500,000 funding from the NSW Government for new potentially life-saving defibrillators. 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. 

Penrith recipients include: 

• Nepean District Cricket Association 

• Penrith Netball District Association Inc 

• Penrith District Rugby League Referees Association Inc 

• Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation 

The announcement brings the number of devices awarded since the program commenced to more than 2,500. 

To view the full list of recipients, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sportdefibrillator-grant-program 

“With more people than ever participating in sport and active recreation in Penrith, it’s vital that our local facilities are equipped with these potentially life-saving devices,” Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said. 

“I congratulate the recipients and commend them for prioritising the safety and well-being of their participants.” Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: 

“The Local Sport Defibrillator Program equips sports clubs to be able respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies at their sports facilities. 

“And with the first few minutes following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest critical, the NSW Government is ensuring people participating in sport and active have access to this potentially life-saving equipment.  

Founder of Heartbeat of Football Andy Paschalidis said the investment by the NSW Government has the potential to mean the difference between life and death.

“I applaud the NSW Government for the ongoing defibrillator rollout programme which is saving lives.

“Last year, at least six footballers in Sydney alone were saved because of defibrillator access at their grounds and the rapid response by individuals trained in CPR. 

“It’s wonderful to see 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these life saving devices.” 

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said around 10,000 people in NSW suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, and currently the vast majority will die. 

“Being able to access a defibrillator in those crucial first minutes can make all the difference, so it’s incredibly heartening to see that almost 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these lifesaving devices,” Professor Vandenberg said. 

“This will help keep families together. “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.”