MEMBERS and visitors of Walcha Gun Club now have access to a life-saving defibrillator, thanks to a grant from the Local Sport Defibrillator Program.
The program is aimed at providing funds for clubs and recreation facilities around New South Wales to purchase Automated External Defibrillators.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan visited Walcha Gun Club’s home base to make the announcement.
“The Walcha Gun Club is a fantastic community group which brings people of all ages together to participate and compete in clay target shooting events,” Mr Moylan said.
“The club is based on the outskirts of Walcha and the arrival of emergency services can often take more time than in a big, regional centre.
“A person’s chance of survival can double, or even triple, if a defibrillator is used in conjunction with CPR immediately following cardiac arrest, prior to paramedics arriving.
“So, having a defibrillator on-hand could help save someone’s life.”
Committee member Jim Abell said acquiring a defibrillator was a priority and he was thankful for the NSW Government grant.
“We have a great club here at Walcha and have been continually chipping away at small upgrades so, whenever we can get grants to get things going, it all helps,” he said.
“Majority of our members and visitors are of older generations so, from a risk point-of-view, a defibrillator is ideal for us.”
“Previously we did borrow one from the Walcha hospital but so do a lot of community groups and it is not always available.”
“We were very fortunate to obtain the grant and have since purchased a model that is suitable for both adults and children.”
The Walcha Gun Club will host a two-day shoot this weekend with competitors coming from as far as Queensland through to Newcastle.
