Fundraising
As the Service has evolved, so too has its model of funding its operations. This model is a unique combination of contracted funding from the NSW Government through NSW Health, supplemented by community funding. Collectively, the NSW Government, Westpac Bank and the community have ensured our rescue helicopters continue to provide the highest standard of aeromedical and rescue services to those in need.
Today, the Service operates under a ten-year contract with NSW Health and NSW Ambulance. Through this contract the NSW Government is the major funding partner of the Service. The Service is a registered charity, with NSW Government funding supplemented by community funding in support of the Service’s operations across Northern NSW. Leading our community funding, the Westpac Bank has been our naming rights sponsor since the Service began in 1975. And it is people throughout our communities right across Northern NSW that proudly and passionately support our mission every day.
Our Generous Communities
Our Service is grateful for the generous support we receive from our local communities who donate funds and time to contribute to the quality, reliability and sustainability of our operations. These funds are held on trust for our community and that’s why we’ve long been known as the “Community’s Own” Rescue Helicopter. The Service has been shaped by our local communities, for our local communities.
When it comes to fundraising the facts are:
Registered charity
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is proudly a registered charity under its company name of Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service with our full details available via the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) website HERE. We are also endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and registered as such on the Australian Business Register. We are authorised to conduct fundraising appeals by the NSW Govt Dept of Fair Trading (CFN 11992).
Charitable trust
We hold all of our assets on trust to provide helicopter emergency medical services in Northern NSW.
Money stays local
We are required to apply money raised or generated by the public in the North Coast (operational base in Lismore), New England North West (operational base in Tamworth) and Hunter, Central Coast, Manning and Mid North Coast (operational base in Belmont) to fund our services in the respective area.
Strong Governance
The Service has a strong governance structure with a highly experienced and dedicated board of volunteer Directors who are assisted by advice from specialised Sub-Comittees and three Regional Advisory Committees who represent the interests of their respective service regions.
Co-funded by community fundraising
In addition to our contracted funding from the NSW Government, our Service is proudly co-funded by community fundraising.
This support is integral to our sustainability, growth and standards of excellence, allowing investment in facilities, training, equipment, people and new technologies to enable the highest standards.
There are many ways that people choose to support our helicopter operations including through Business Partnerships, Workplace Giving Programs, Volunteer Support Groups and Op Shops, Events, Donations and major gifts including those which are generously left to our Service in Wills.
The funding model of our Service, that sees a combination of NSW Government and community support is unique and we are very grateful to every person that chooses to make a contribution. Collectively, our funding model ensures ongoing operations as well as securing our future to be able to continue to serve our community for years to come. Ultimately, your support helps save local lives.
DONATE TODAYEvery dollar counts and contributes to our standards of excellence.
