12 August 2026

 

THE State Government is investing $500,000 to help eligible sporting organisations purchase, install and maintain Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), as well as provide training, improving safety at local sporting facilities across NSW.

 

The Hon. David Harris Member for Wyong said, “With more people than ever participating in sport and active recreation in Wyong electorate and across the Central Coast, it’s vital that our sports facilities are equipped to respond to potentially life-threatening incidents.

 

“Last year's successful applicants who received new defibrillators in the Wyong electorate were Woongarrah Wildcats Football Club and Kanwal Warnervale Rovers Football Club.

 

“I urge our local sporting organisations to apply for a grant to have this equipment installed at their facilities.”

 

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, and every minute without defibrillation reduces a person's chance of survival.

 

Sporting clubs often face financial barriers to purchasing and maintaining an AED and this Program helps more organisations access this essential equipment.

 

Steve Kamper Minister for Sport said, “We know every minute counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and having a defibrillator close by can save lives.

 

“That's why we're helping more community sporting organisations install this vital equipment and be better prepared if an emergency happens.

 

“I encourage eligible organisations to apply for funding.”

 

Since the Program’s introduction in 2017, more than 2,500 AEDs have been installed at community sport and recreation facilities across NSW, supporting sporting organisations to improve emergency preparedness and participant safety.

 

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said, “Being able to access a defibrillator quickly and easily could be the difference between life and death for someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

 

“Survival rates can more than double if a defibrillator is used in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest.

 

“Currently less than one in 10 people who have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital will survive.

 

“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.”

 

To enhance emergency response efforts, support community safety and improve public access to equipment in the event of cardiac emergencies, all devices that receive funding under this year’s program will be listed on the GoodSAM AED Registry.

 

Applications for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program close 7 October 2026 or earlier if available funding is exhausted. For further information and to apply, visit here.

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