New life-saving defibrillators will be installed at local grassroots sports facilities following the awarding of grants in the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

Local sporting organisations Nepean Rowing Club, Extreme Off Road Association of Penrith Limited, Brothers Penrith Junior Rugby League Club Incorporated, Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Club, were among 193 to share in $500,000 with each organisation receiving up to $3,000 towards the purchase, installation and training in a new automated external defibrillator.

The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our grassroots sporting communities and ensuring local facilities are fit-for-purpose. The Program was available to a range of clubs, associations, and councils in the State’s lowest socio-economic areas according to Australian Bureau of Statistics SEIFA data.

For further information on the Local Sports Defibrillator Program, including the list of recipients, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program

Member for Penrith, Ms Karen McKeown OAM said:
“Penrith residents love their sport, and this funding will ensure our local sporting organisations are equipped to respond to life-threating emergencies."

“With more and more people of all ages participating in sport and active recreation across the Penrith, this equipment gives them peace of mind should the worst ever happen.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“Heart attacks and heart disease do not discriminate, and access to a defibrillator immediately following a cardiac arrest can mean the difference between life and death."

“The NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in sport in the State’s most disadvantaged areas have access to the same life-saving equipment as people in more affluent areas.