UPDATE: Local sporting organizations are urgently encouraged to apply for up to $3,000 in funding through the NSW Labor government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program. Janelle Saffin, MP for Lismore, highlighted that the funding could save lives and enhance safety at sports venues.
Just announced, the program has already funded over 2,300 defibrillators across New South Wales, significantly impacting community health. The Dunoon United Football Club recently became one of eight recipients from the electorate, installing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at its Balzer Park home ground.
Club President Simon Webster expressed the importance of having such vital equipment on-site. “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,” he stated. This sentiment underscores the crucial role defibrillators play in emergencies, whether for players, officials, or spectators.
Applications for the 2025-26 Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program close on December 1, 2025, or when funding is depleted. Interested organizations can find more information, including eligibility criteria, at www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program.
In a related announcement, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper revealed that the Heartbeat of Football Foundation will receive a $150,000 grant from the NSW Government. This funding will be used to map facilities with AEDs and identify areas lacking this critical equipment, ensuring future investments are directed where they are needed most.
As the deadline approaches, local clubs are urged to act swiftly to enhance their safety measures. This funding opportunity presents a vital chance to protect the community and ensure preparedness for any emergency. Don’t miss out—apply today and help create a safer sporting environment.
