The Minns Labor Government is backing community sport in the Charlestown electorate by delivering a new life-saving defibrillator to the Newcastle Floorball Association through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides up to $3,000 to eligible sport and active recreation organisations for the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at sports facilities.

Since the Program commenced, more than 2,500 defibrillators have been awarded for use at sport and recreation facilities across NSW.

The Program is part of a major investment by the NSW Government to improve safety at NSW sport and recreation facilities, which includes a $150,000 grant to the Heartbeat of Football Foundation to conduct research to identify which sports facilities have AEDs installed.

The findings of the research, which commenced in September 2025, will provide vital insight and guide future government investment in the equipment.

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

Quotes attributable to the Hon Jodie Harrison MP, Member for Charlestown:

“With more people getting involved in sport and active recreation across the Charlestown electorate, it’s more important than ever that our local facilities have access to these life-saving devices.

“I congratulate the Newcastle Floorball Association for their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.”

Quotes attributable to the Hon Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Sport:

“More than 190 clubs across NSW are now better equipped with defibrillators, building on over 2,400 delivered with investment by the Minns Government backing safer community sport.

“When every second counts, this equipment saves lives, ensuring players, volunteers, and spectators can step onto the field with confidence and get home safely.”