Sporting organisations across the Orange electorate have shared in $500,000 funding from the NSW Government for new potentially life-saving defibrillators. The funding was awarded to 193 sport and recreation organisations under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program which provides up to $3000 for the purchase, installation and training in new automated external defibrillators. Five clubs or organisations in the Orange electorate were successful, including the Parkes and District Kennel Club and Forbes PA & H Association. State Member for Orange Phil Donato said the allocation brought the number of devices awarded since the program started to more than 2500. “With more people than ever participating in sport and active recreation in the Orange electorate, it’s vital that our local facilities are equipped with these potentially life-saving devices," Mr Donato said: Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the Local Sport Defibrillator Program equips sports clubs to be able respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies at their sports facilities. Founder of Heartbeat of Football Andy Paschalidis applauded the NSW Government for the ongoing defibrillator rollout program which he said "is saving lives". “Last year at least six footballers in Sydney alone were saved because of defibrillator access at their grounds and the rapid response by individuals trained in CPR," he said. “It’s wonderful to see 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these life saving devices.”
