29th, November, 2024

Yesterday, students at St Ambrose Catholic Primary School at Pottsville were treated to a special visit by the region’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service based in Lismore.

The visit was all thanks to Westpac and their school landing program which provides students the chance to learn more about the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and their vital role in responding to emergencies in Northern NSW.

“Westpac has been proud to support the Service in Northern NSW since 1975. Our school landings program is just one of the ways we celebrate the helicopter service and share that experience with the local community,” shared Despina Toparis-Nelson, Westpac Regional General Manager, Northern NSW.

“Landings like these are a wonderful way to help educate students about how the Service operates and supports our community throughout Northern NSW, including the Tweed Coast and Valley. It’s also a chance to share important information and advice ahead of the busy summer months.”

“We’re thrilled to help facilitate such a unique opportunity for students to hear some of the amazing insights about the Service directly from the pilot and aircrew officer, along with the NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and NSW Health doctor from the helicopter’s critical care medical team,” Despina said.

Students and staff alike at St Ambrose said the visit was highly anticipated.

“The staff and students here at St Ambrose Catholic Primary School were so excited to see the Westpac Rescue Helicopter land on our school oval and learn more about the incredible work that the crew do,” St Ambrose Catholic Primary School principal, Brian Laybutt said.

“We have some of the country’s most idyllic beaches here in Pottsville and on the Tweed Coast. However, they are not without their risk of hazards that can, at times, become a matter of life or death. We’re so grateful for the work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service when emergencies arise, and the visit has been a fantastic opportunity to promote this vital lifesaving organisation to our students and their families.”

To find out more about the Westpac Rescue Helicopter visit www.westpac.com.au/help/community/rescue/schools/