UPDATE: Local sporting organizations in New South Wales are urged to apply for vital defibrillator funding of up to $3,000, as announced by NSW Lismore MP, Janelle Saffin. The application deadline for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program is 1 December 2025 or until funding is exhausted, making it critical for clubs to act quickly.
In a recent statement, Saffin highlighted that the Dunoon United Football Club was among eight recipients from her electorate in the program’s 2024-25 round. The club has successfully installed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at its home ground in Balzer Park. Club President Simon Webster expressed the necessity of having this equipment on-site, stating, “As a rural community football club, we believe it’s very important for us to have a defibrillator on site. Hopefully, we will never need to use it, but it is reassuring to know that it’s there, and that if anything should happen to a player, match official or spectator, we will be able to help.”
Since its inception, the program has funded over 2,300 life-saving defibrillators for sports and recreation facilities across NSW, significantly enhancing safety measures for players and spectators alike.
In a related development, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper has announced a $150,000 grant to the Heartbeat of Football Foundation to map facilities with AEDs. This initiative will help identify areas lacking in this critical equipment, guiding future government investments.
The urgency surrounding defibrillator availability cannot be overstated, especially in light of recent health incidents at sports events. Local organizations are encouraged to visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program for further information, including eligibility criteria and application details.
As the deadline approaches, sporting groups are reminded to act promptly to secure this essential funding. The potential to save lives is within reach—don’t miss out!
