20th, February, 2024

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has a million reasons to thank the dedicated volunteers of the Hastings Volunteer Support Group after members reached the fundraising milestone of $1 million in 2023.

“This is a significant achievement for a small group of dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly raising funds over many years for the service in an effort to contribute to saving local lives on the Mid North Coast,” Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Acting CEO James Lawrence said.

“From cake stalls to the popular annual lamington drive, barbecues and raffle ticket sales, the Hastings volunteers, whilst small in numbers, have been able to rally the support of the many small communities on the Mid North Coast to contribute to the continued life saving response in the region,” Mr Lawrence concluded.

Representatives of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service will meet with Hastings volunteers for a celebratory morning tea and official presentation in recognition of the group’s achievement on Tuesday in Wauchope.

“To be part of something this important and help where possible is a great feeling, especially seeing how involved the community gets. We’re small but can still make an impact and it is lovely to celebrate a milestone like this with the service,” Mr Bob Campbell from the Hastings Volunteer Support Group said.

Today, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service operates in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, to deliver the highest standard of aeromedical and rescue services to those in need across a state-wide network.

A NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and NSW Health doctor are on board each AW139 aircraft to provide the highest quality critical care where it is needed most.