For over 40 years, the mining industry have been one of the strongest supporters of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the backbone of our Workplace Giving Program.

After commencing from humble beginnings as a volunteer weekend beach patrol with a single aircraft, the mining industry quickly recognised the critical need for the helicopter beyond its original purpose along the region’s coastline. The ability of the helicopter to provide prompt, critical care to mine sites deep in the Hunter Valley and other regional areas, became the driving force behind workplace donations.

Championed by the Mining & Energy Union, the program grew as both miners and their companies rallied behind the cause. Today, thousands of mine workers support the Service annually through payroll deductions with some companies matching employee donations dollar for dollar or stepping up as major sponsors. This sense of unity has created a workplace culture of giving, where individual contributions directly impact lives throughout Northern NSW.

The continued support of major industries like mining has strengthened our capability and sustainability. The Service has grown to become an integral part of the Statewide NSW Ambulance and NSW Health aeromedical response. This response now includes five state of the art aircraft, three line bases in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore, a dedicated team of pilots and aircrew officers, specialist engineers ensuring our ability to deliver the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team, consisting of NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedics and NSW Health Doctors, to the point of need.

Workplace Giving now extends beyond mining, sustaining the Service through economic challenges like COVID-19. Anyone, from office workers to transport staff, can participate and help ensure that no matter the circumstances, the helicopter is always there to deliver critical care.