Lifesaving AED Device Installed at Sylvania Athletics Track, Thanks to Local Clubs and Community Partnership

Julie Moon (Tradies), Brooke Collins (Staying Alive Health), Sonia Lewis (Port Hacking Little Athletics Club), Stephen Hooper (Diggers Miranda RSL) & Nathan Whiteside (Cronulla RSL) with the lifesaving device. 

A new lifesaving Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been installed at Sylvania Athletics Track, made possible by a ClubGRANTS partnership among Tradies, Cronulla RSL, and Miranda RSL. This installation responds to a need identified by Port Hacking Little Athletics Club (PHLAC), whose members highlighted the risks associated with the lack of a 24/7 accessible AED in a space used by the local community, schools, and other athletic groups.

Access to an AED within the first five minutes of a cardiac arrest can improve survival chances by up to 70%, according to emergency health guidelines. The nearest AED prior to this installation was several minutes away, underscoring the critical need for the on-site device at this busy facility.

Installed and managed by Staying Alive Health, the AED is a Rotaid 24/7 G4G model with a fully monitored security cabinet connected to the Telstra Network, featuring an Apple AirTag for precise location tracking. This advanced AED also includes a Real Help CPR large color screen that displays clear, step-by-step rescue messages, supporting responders in high-stress situations.

Cronulla RSL CEO Nathan Whiteside praised the collaboration: "It’s inspiring to see Cronulla RSL, Tradies, and Miranda RSL come together to support this crucial initiative. Having a 24/7 accessible AED at the Sylvania Athletics Track not only prioritises safety but also reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of all community members.”

Tradies Group General Manager Jason McMaster said “This is a great example of how local clubs and the ClubGRANTS program provide vital financial support for our community,” adds Tradies Group General Manager Jason McMaster. “We congratulate the Port Hacking Little Athletics Club on identifying this need and thank Cronulla RSL and Miranda RSL for joining us in making the Sylvania Athletics Track a safer space for all.”

Miranda RSL CEO Sara Watkins shared, ‘’As a community-focused club, Miranda RSL are proud to support initiatives like these that directly enhance the safety and well-being of our local community through the ClubGrants program. The AED is a vital resource for everyone who uses Sylvania Athletics Tracks and represents a proud collaborative commitment with Cronulla RSL, Tradies, and the Port Hacking Little Athletics Club to improve community safety with life-saving equipment. As a former Little Athletics participant myself, it’s especially meaningful to help our community feel more confident and prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency’’.

The AED installation was timed perfectly for the start of the PHLAC athletics season, ensuring the track’s users have immediate access to lifesaving equipment as activities ramp up. The addition of this AED reinforces the facility's role as a safe, inclusive space for everyone—from young athletes to fitness enthusiasts.

Brooke Collins, Stayline Alive Health, gives a demonstration on how to use the device.  

The lifesaving device has been installed by Port Hacking Little Athletics Club and was proudly doanted by Cronulla RSL, Miranda RSL & Tradies through the ClubGRANTS scheme.

ClubGRANTS: ClubGRANTS was established in 1998 to ensure registered clubs in NSW with profits over $1 million contribute financial or in-kind support to local community services, programs, and projects. https://www.clubgrants.com.au/

Diggers Miranda RSL https://www.mirandarslclub.com.au/

Tradies https://www.tradies.com.au/

Cronulla RSL https://www.cronullarsl.com.au/