Kick-start their hearts

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
SEVILLE sporting clubs have joined a growing list of clubs purchasing heart-starting equipment.
There is a growing call for defibrillators to be made mandatory at all sporting clubs across Australia, but many in the Yarra Valley have already embraced the fact that this small piece of equipment could save lives.
Casualties have been suffered at more than six ovals this year, including the death of Silvan footballer Vincent Bonanno from Wandin.
The 22-year-old collapsed during a practice match on 6 March.
If a defibrillator had been on hand, he might still be alive.
The club has since received one of the devices, as have several other valley clubs this year.
Seville Centenary Trust put in the request on behalf of the Seville sporting clubs that use the recreation oval, including the football, netball and cricket clubs.
Wandin Seville Community Bank branch of the Bendigo Bank donated the heart-starting machine as a contribution to Seville sporting players.
Seville Football Netball Club president Sole Cecere said there would always be someone who could use it.
“Whether it’s a player or a spectator, we’re grateful to have one at our club,” he said.
Seville Cricket Club committee member Sam Dicello said the cricket club had taken the call for defibrillators very seriously.
“Even if it saves only one life, it’s worth it,” he said.