Sporting clubs can apply for defibrillator grants

Local sporting clubs can now apply for a grant towards potentially life-saving equipment as part of the state government's Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

Acting Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee, said up to $1 million was available to sporting clubs and councils this year under the program.

"In NSW, up to 7000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year," Mr Lee said.

"Medical experts say the first eight minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical and that early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient's likelihood of survival."

Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons said early access to a defibrillator could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a cardiac arrest.

"That's why it's crucial our clubs and councils are equipped to respond to these life-threatening emergencies," she said.

• The program is open until April 12, 2021. Details: sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator.