Four new crew members are beginning the next chapter of their aviation rescue journey with CapRescue, each bringing a wealth of experience from various backgrounds across the country.
Rescue Crew Officers Lachlan Field, Will Sincich and Chloe Lamb have joined the team, alongside newly qualified Air Crew Officer Matthew O’Brien. Each join CapRescue to support the Rescue300 helicopter across Central Queensland from lifeguard backgrounds, firefighting and the Army.
Lachlan Field joins CapRescue after 14 years as a lifeguard, where he gained extensive experience in aquatic rescues and search and rescue operations. Throughout that time, he regularly worked alongside rescue helicopters and always hoped to one day be part of an air crew himself.
“When the opportunity came up to join CapRescue, I jumped at it,” Lachlan said.
Former Victorian forest firefighter Will Sincich also worked closely with aviation aircraft and gained experience on Bell 412 helicopters as part of Victoria’s helicopter rappel program.
Will said he was looking forward to the challenges and opportunities the position would provide while continuing a life dedicated to helping people through difficult times.
“I’ll enjoy the team environment and the close relationships you build with the people on base, as well as playing a part in a critical service for the region,” he said.
Few people can list flight attendant, Army Reserve soldier, firefighter and surf lifesaver on the same résumé, but those experiences have helped shape Chloe Lamb’s path to CapRescue.
“This unique intersection of aviation and emergency response aligns strongly with my skills and passion,” she said.
What has already stood out for Chloe is the connection between CapRescue and the people it serves.
“We are here to support our community and the community, in turn, supports us just as much,” she said.
Matthew O’Brien’s journey into rescue aviation began following a boating incident that sparked his interest. After starting out as a Rescue Crew Officer in 2022, Matthew has completed his Air Crew conversion, building on the skills and experience he has gained.
“Working as part of a highly skilled crew while helping people when they are most in need is what I enjoy most about the role,” Matthew said.
The four new team members are part of a wonderful investment in the service including fellow team member Sam McLean’s recent completion of his Air Crew Officer training after being part of CapRescue since 2024.
The training program has been supported through a partnership with Glencore, helping ensure the service can continue developing the skilled workforce needed to support Central Queensland into the future.
CapRescue Acting CEO Kirsty Wooler said investing in people was critical to maintaining the service the region relies on.
“As we mark our 30th anniversary year, it’s a reminder that the service exists today because of the people, organisations and supporters who have invested in it over the past three decades.
“The community relies on CapRescue to be there when people need help, whether that’s in regional centres, rural properties, on the coast or in remote locations. Developing skilled crew members is essential to ensuring that service remains available long into the future,” Kirsty said.
