As they prepare to head into their busiest period of the year, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has received a $7,500 financial boost to help continue to save lives.
Yesterday, Jayden Hartin, Financial Services Manager from Wests Entertainment Group and Clubs NSW Representative toured the local Westpac Rescue Helicopter Services Base on Basil Drive in Tamworth, before handing over the welcomed support to our local heroes.
“These grants are vital as we rely on community support, and we are really humbled by the donations we receive from Club Grants,” said Daniel Gillet, Regional Partnerships Officer Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Northwest.
“We are proud to turn that into lifesaving efforts from the Helicopter Service.”
The funds were raised from Club NSW members from their charity race day in Armidale in October, and timing couldn’t be more important.
“These funds will go towards supporting the Tamworth Base Helicopter Service, which is heading into its busiest period of the year, so that will go into saving lives right around the region.” said Daniel.
In 2023, across Northern New South Wales, the Westpac Rescue Chopper is approaching 1500 lives saved, that is 1500 missions flown, and that number is climbing.
“We know that we’re increasingly busy, particularly over this final month of the year.” said Daniel.
“In the last month alone, 50 missions have been flown in our region, that is a huge number, and we are working around the clock to keep people safe.”
Next years’ Club NSW Race Day will be held in Tamworth, so keep an eye out for the date and come and show your support for the local Chopper.
“We are thrilled to have their ongoing support,” said Daniel.
“It makes a huge difference to us knowing that organisation, like Clubs NSW, are there for us not just for these one of donations, but they are such strong supporters for so long.”
About the Service
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was established in 1975 and through community support and fundraising it has become a critical service that operates four (AW139) helicopters from three bases in Belmont, Tamworth, and Lismore.
Today the service delivers aeromedical response, search, rescue and inter-hospital transfers to care for communities from north of the Hawkesbury River through to the Queensland border and throughout the New England North West.
Along with the pilot and aircrew officer, every primary response mission launches with a dedicated NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic, NSW Health doctor and depending on the needs of each patient, the team may include specialist nursing professionals.
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