In 2017, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service opened its first purpose-built base at Lake Macquarie Airport. Designed to meet the requirements of a new 10-year contract with NSW Ambulance, the facility represented the start of a new era for the Service.

The Belmont location was selected for its proximity to key regions and its position on an operational airport—essential under updated CASA regulations. Though the site selection was straightforward, bringing the project to life came with its challenges. Navigating compliance obligations, coordinating with Council, and managing tight financial constraints meant the timeline had to be executed with precision. With the help of committed partners, including our amazing building contractor Core Projects, and a dedicated project team, the facility opened on time and on spec.

The base was the first to go live under the new 10 year contract, symbolising the Service’s strengthened capability and long-term growth. Equipped with state-of-the-art engineering and crew facilities, the site allowed the Service to meet key performance indicators, including airborne response times.

The impact was immediate. Operations became more streamlined, response times improved, and the community received faster, more efficient service. Local businesses, tradespeople, and suppliers rallied behind the project with remarkable generosity, the support poured in from every corner of the community. Their contributions not only helped bring the facility to life—they embedded the spirit of the region into every brick and beam.

The Belmont base not only elevated service delivery—it set a new benchmark for what the Service could achieve. It was the pinnacle of two to three years of intense planning, dedication, and collaboration across every part of the Service. From frontline crew to back-office support, everyone had a hand in making the vision a reality. Today, it stands as a symbol of progress, partnership, and a deep commitment to providing critical care across the region.