On the seventh of December 1975, at a ceremony in Newcastle, NSW, our iconic Service was launched. During the official proceedings on that day, the helicopter was tasked to rescue two boys stranded on a cliff nearby – A dramatic start and a precursor to 50 years of outstanding service and support to the communities of Northern New South Wales.
As we reflect on the Service’s incredible journey, one that has only been achieved with the contribution of a multitude of organisations and supporters, we are also celebrating an amazing 50 years of partnership with Westpac, originally the Wales Bank, and proudly acknowledge Westpac’s ongoing role as our naming rights partner.
Today, the delivery of critical care when and where it is needed most, is made possible through our enduring partnership with the NSW Government, NSW Health and NSW Ambulance and the unwavering generosity of our sponsors, partners, and community supporters.
In 2024, our pilots, aircrew officers and the clinical teams, comprising of NSW Health doctors, NSW Ambulance critical care paramedics and specialist doctors and nurses, successfully completed over 1,590 lifesaving and lifechanging missions from our three forward operational bases at Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore. These missions could not be flown without the sterling support provided by our engineering personnel at the forward operating bases and the engineering team located at the deeper level maintenance facility in Broadmeadow.
In this edition of RESCUE, we profile one of the clinical team doctors, Dr Peter May. Peter, who has recently taken the decision to retire after a long and distinguished career, has made an invaluable contribution to welfare of the communities of the New England North West and we wish him all the very best for the future. Thank You Peter!
Our Rescue Story this edition features Edward, who was flown from Port Macquarie to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle with a serious medical condition. Edward’s story is inspiring and just one example of the many lifechanging missions our aircrew and clinical teams conduct daily.
Also, in this edition, we highlight just a selection of our major fundraising activities, with the spotlight on our Summer Appeal and Helicopter House. I would like to thank all of you who continue to provide such wonderful support for all our fundraising endeavours; your ongoing support is never assumed and is always deeply appreciated – Thank You!
I trust that you will find this edition of the rescue magazine, informative, insightful and a worthy read.
Take care and stay safe.
Steven Underwood
Chief Executive Officer
