Emma Pritchard

Although it gives her incredible peace of mind when she sees it hanging on the wall in the South Grafton Bowling, Sports and Recreation Club, Robin Hodge hopes all she has to do is keep dusting it.

But it’s there, just in case it’s needed in the event of an emergency.

Generously donated by Braunstone Wigging Out, the defibrillator is a welcome acquisition to the popular local sporting facility and has been overlooking the bar and main indoor area since September 14.

Secretary of the South Grafton Women’s Bowling Club and a regular attendee at the venue, Ms Hodge said she definitely feels “a sense of relief” to have a defibrillator in the building, and after using one herself during a medical emergency on the Central Coast 20 years ago, she knows all too well how important they are.

“We hope we never have to use it, but we know it is there and that has made a lot of people very happy,” she said.

“Many of our bowlers are mature age and it is a relief to know if something happens, we have a defibrillator on site.

“It’s a great donation by Braunstone Wigging Out, and we would like to acknowledge them for their wonderful gesture in helping our bowlers and everyone who comes to the club to stay safe.”

Ms Hodge said once Covid-19 restrictions ease and more people are able to attend the club, she is hopeful of organising a demonstration to show patrons how to use the defibrillator.

Along with the South Grafton Bowling, Sports and Recreation Club, Braunstone Wigging Out also donated defibrillators to the Hotel Motel 5 Mile and the Braunstone Hall after local fundraising efforts raised more than $10000.

Speaking on behalf of Braunstone Wigging Out, local resident Sharon Lentfer said it was a great feeling to be able to provide local venues with valuable resources.

“Braunstone Wigging Out give a lot of donations to local charities, and it is nice to be able to do something for the community,” she said.

“After we donated defibrillators to the Hotel Motel 5 Mile and the Braunstone Hall, we had enough funds to donate one to the club in South Grafton as well.”

Ms Lentfer also wished to extend her sincere thanks to the community for their ongoing support of their local fundraisers.

• A defibrillator is a portable device that uses electricity to restart the heart when a person suffers a cardiac arrest. By analysing the heart rhythm, the defibrillator can administer an electric shock when necessary. The device comes with easy-to-follow instructions and can be used by anyone, even if a person has not received first aid training. If a person goes into cardiac arrest, call triple zero (000) immediately.