8th, March, 2024

The students of Wauchope Public School were buzzing with excitement when treated to a special visit from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in late November.

The visit coincided with Westpac celebrating 50 years of supporting rescue services around Australia, with the first service commencing in Sydney in 1973 and then two years later in Newcastle in 1975.

Michael Webb, Westpac Business Development Manager, Northern NSW Business Banking, said students heard first-hand from the crew who dedicate their lives to helping others in the community when they need it most.

“Westpac is proud to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and help educate our young people about emergency services in their local community,” Mr Webb said.

“Across the summer months, we know lots of students will be out and about exploring our bushland, coastline and waterways, so it’s also timely to remind our young people about keeping safe.”

Wauchope Principal Cameron Osborne said the students eagerly awaited the visit.

“The interactive session was great fun as students watched the helicopter land, then asked the crew specific questions about flying, emergency response and rescues,” Mr Osborne said.

“They got to see close-up, the state-of-the- art lifesaving equipment – such as night vision goggles, rescue winch, and radio navigation tools and importantly the extensive medical kit onboard and it was a great way to wrap up the school year and a great effort by students to also raise over $1,100 for the Service in the lead-up to the visit.”