Since 1989, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s Cash Housie Program has been a cornerstone of its fundraising efforts. What started as a simple game of bingo has evolved into a successful, enduring fundraiser with 35 sessions conducted each week at 20 registered clubs.
From the Far North Coast down to the Central Coast and Tamworth, Housie has built a loyal following. Many players have been attending since the very first sessions in their local areas, joking they’ve “paid for parts on the helicopter” with their long-term support.
The program’s success can be attributed to the comfort and familiarity players feel at their local clubs. “People are creatures of habit,” says Janine, the Housie Manager. “They love their weekly sessions at the same venue. We conduct our sessions in registered clubs where people feel safe, welcomed, and part of a community.”
Housie’s format has adapted over the years to meet changing needs, particularly through the introduction of electronic playing devices. These devices have not only made the game more accessible for people with visual impairments and other health challenges but have also attracted a younger demographic.
“Electronic devices have been key to our success over the last 15 years. They allow players to participate even if they have hearing or sight impairments or conditions like Parkinson’s or macular degeneration. And they’re bringing in younger players, which is so important for the future,” Janine explains.
The popularity of Housie even saw it bounce back strongly after COVID-19, becoming the first fundraising activity to return and providing crucial social engagement for elderly players who rely on the sessions for community connection and mental stimulation.
Specialty games like Big Bucks Bingo, Big Bush Bingo during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and Super Housie, featuring large cash jackpots, have added to Housie’s enduring appeal and profitability. Last year marked the most profitable year yet, thanks to reputation, social media promotion, and record-breaking numbers of sessions.
Looking forward, Janine hopes Housie continues to be embraced by a younger generation while remaining a steady income source for the service. “We wouldn’t have been able to raise the money we have without the generous support of our local registered clubs who provide the space we play each week and contribute to the success of the program,” she says.
With over 25 dedicated staff running sessions each week, Housie remains a crucial, reliable, and much-loved fundraising initiative for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service—one that continues to save lives through the generosity and passion of its community.
