Applications for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program are being accepted until September 14, with sports clubs in the Port eligible to receive half the amount needed to buy and maintain Automated External Defibrillators.

“For many of our residents, access to a defibrillator could be the difference between life or death,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald MLC, said.

“Across the state, the NSW Government will aim to provide more than 2500 life-saving defibrillators to local communities and I strongly urge eligible local clubs to consider applying.”

Nelson Bay Rugby Club and Port Stephens Netball Association were awarded a combined $2372 through the program in April to put towards the purchase of defibrillators.

Following this, Port Stephens Council and the state government came to a dollar-for-dollar agreement to install defibrillators at the Lakeside, Salamander, Tomaree and King Park sports complexes.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian made $4400 available toward the project after an on-field heart attack at Lakeside Sports Complex in February.

Following the incident, the Port’s West Ward Sports Council resolved to buy six defibrillators. 

More than 400 sporting organisations, 23 of those in the Hunter region, have received funds through the program. 

To apply for a grant go to: sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator