Local clubs and organisations in the Cootamundra electorate have been awarded $21,919 in NSW Government funding to assist with the purchase of eight life-saving defibrillators.
Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program was introduced by the previous government and is aimed at providing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and associated equipment to NSW sport and recreation facilities and clubs.
An AED is a life-saving device which delivers a controlled shock to an individual experiencing cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival.
Ms Cooke said the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program will help save lives.
"More than 8,500 NSW residents experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. It can be a very confronting situation both for the patient and for those who are rendering assistance," Ms Cooke said.
"We know that the first few minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical, and early commencement of CPR, and access to a defibrillator, can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
"The addition of defibrillators at ovals, clubs, and other locations around our electorate will benefit thousands of local and visiting players, spectators, residents, and indeed guests to our region," she said.
The Cootamundra electorate funding recipients are:
• Narrandera Pony Club
• Illabo Show Society Inc.
• Temora Town Tennis Club Assoc.
• Cootamundra Little Athletics
• Harden & District Picnic Race Club
• Junee Ex-Services Memorial Rifle Club
• Coolamon Shire Council
• Junee Harness Racing Club
