Marrickville Police receive lifesaving defibrillators from Sydney Airport and Rotary

Sydney’s inner west community just got a major safety boost with the donation of three brand-new defibrillators to Marrickville Police.

Sydney Airport and Marrickville Rotary Club’s partnership made this generous donation possible ensuring first responders are now equipped with essential, life-saving tools to serve the local community.

Valued at more than $7,100, the three defibrillators were funded from contributions made via the Rotary donation boxes across Sydney Airport’s domestic and international terminals.

In November 2024, the defibrillators were presented to Marrickville Police and were immediately placed in first response vehicles, ready to be used in critical moments.

The importance of these devices became clear just a few weeks later.

In January 2025, one of the defibrillators was used by Inner West Police officers during a medical emergency.

This highlights the real difference these devices make—especially in vital situations where waiting for an ambulance could mean the difference between life and death.

Marrickville Police Commander, Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald APM said the donations are already making a tangible difference in emergency situations.

"The presence of these defibrillators in our first response vehicles is invaluable. They provide our officers with the necessary tools to offer immediate assistance in critical situations, significantly improving the chances of survival for those in need,” Superintendent Fitzgerald said.

“We are deeply grateful for the support from Rotary, Sydney Airport and the community."

Through the Rotary – Sydney Airport partnership, a further two defibrillators were also donated to the Burwood Area Command police in December 2024.

Since the 1960s, Sydney Airport and Rotary have formed a robust partnership focusing on community support.

Sydney’s Airport’s Community Investment & Partnerships Senior Manager, Liz Seatter said equipping Marrickville Police with life-saving defibrillators is one way we are giving back to our community.

“We are committed to being actively involved in supporting the communities we serve. We know that emergencies can happen at any time, and having the right equipment available in the moment can save lives,” Ms Seatter said.

“We’re proud to support the officers who work tirelessly to keep us all safe. It’s a privilege to see how small acts of generosity, such as spare change in a donation bin, can collectively lead to such a positive impact.”

Eddie Lakiss from Marrickville Rotary was pleased to see the donations put to good use to help first responders.

“We are committed for the next three years of delivering these defibrillators to the Inner West Police Area Command and the Burwood Police,” said Mr Lakiss.

“With our placement of Rotary bins around the airport and with the help of the Sydney Airport, we can achieve these donations, along with donating to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery.”

In 2024, 31 different community and charitable organisations were supported through Sydney Airport’s partnership with Rotary.

The good news doesn’t end there.

Rotary will be supplying another three defibrillators next financial year to Marrickville Police, further supporting their ability to better respond to medical emergencies.

Thank you to the generous travellers and local community who donated via the Sydney Airport Rotary donation boxes - your support will save lives.

Find out more about Sydney Airport’s community partnerships or read more community stories.