Vital tool for Veterans’ cricket kit

AN automated external defibrillator will give one cricket side added support when travelling to games this summer.

The Ballarat Veterans Cricket Club used sponsorship money from McGrath real estate and a $1000 state government sporting groups grant to purchase the AED earlier this year.

“If I’m sitting there watching a game of cricket and someone goes down, I know exactly where to go and what to do,” club president Max Drew said.

“That should be a comfort to the playing group as well, that they know if something does go wrong, we will be quick to act on, as well as ringing triple zero and all those other basic things.”

Vice-president Wayne Hinchcliffe said the portability of the defibrillator was important, particularly playing at away venues that are unfamiliar.

The club played fellow veterans sides on grounds across the state.

“We’re going to unknown territory, some grounds,” he said.

“We might be playing a team we played last year but we’re playing another venue.

“It becomes more important that we take this with us.”

Secretary John Penhall said the defib would enhance the safety, confidence and participation of members.

“It strengthens the club as an inclusive and community-focused organisation,” he said.

Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said the sports group grants encouraged participation.

“Knowing that some over 60s cricketers have a defib now, that’s just peace of mind,” she said.

“Hopefully, they’ll never have to use it and hopefully everyone will continue to be fit and healthy.

“But you prepare for the worst and hope for the best and the best outcome would be this defib doesn’t have to be used, but if it does need to be used, they’ve got it.”

She commended the club for the leadership they had shown purchasing the defibrillator.

“It’s really going to enable a much better outcome for their whole club whether they’re playing at home or away,” she said.