For over a decade the Tamworth Livestock Agents (TLA) have supported the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and their Tamworth base through their annual Tag-a-calf sale in March.
From encouraging their vendors to tag out a beast from each pen, to giving up part of their fees, the agents have come up with many creative ways to help support the Service as it continues to provide 24/7 emergency response to their communities when it’s needed.
“All the agents out this way, they know that their clients are really proud of their cattle and the way they farm,” said Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Regional Partnership Officer Daniel Gillett.
“For us to be associated with the graziers around the district is a real privilege.”
The Tamworth Livestock Agents contributed $16,460 from the Tag-a-calf sale in March, a donation that goes directly to the Tamworth base, delivering world-class aeromedical and search and rescue capabilities to those in need across the New England North West region.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service responds regularly to incidents on properties and farms throughout the region, responding to missions ranging from medical episodes, livestock incidents, falls, burns, and accidents involving farm machinery including tractors, trucks and quad bikes.
TLA Chair Sam Payne from Pitt Son’s noted how important the Service was around the region.
“We all know someone who’s relied on the Chopper. We can’t do without it. That’s why we all get together and chip in even when times are tough,” he said.
In the first quarter of 2026, the Service competed 116 missions from the Tamworth base. Across all three bases including Newcastle and Lismore, 404 missions were completed that included 179 medical conditions, 56 motor vehicle accidents, 37 water rescues, 35 motorcycle incidents, 34 falls and 63 other missions. That level of demand is exactly why ongoing community and industry support is so important, with donations, partnerships and local initiatives all playing a role in keeping the Service in the air.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service also offers tax-deductible initiatives through its Helifarmer program. This includes in-kind donations of grain and other commodities, as well as the proceeds of sales from livestock and other produce. Every Helifarmer donation goes directly to your local Westpac Rescue Helicopter, helping to keep our regional communities safe.
| For more information on the Service’s livestock initiatives head to: https://rescuehelicopter.com.au/you-can-help/agriculture/ |
