The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) has been operating throughout northern NSW for almost 50 years, free of charge for anyone who needs it thanks to more than 850 volunteers, fundraising and sponsorship.

It costs $40 million each year to keep the four yellow and red helicopters in the skies above NSW with its lifesaving crew.

The mining industry has supported the Service since the mid-1980s and the NSW Minerals Council has been a valued sponsor for more than two decades. In August, the Minerals Council inked a new five-year sponsorship agreement with the Service valued at $500,000.

“The WRHS is a very important service for regional NSW, and with so many people working in mining and living in regional communities across the state, it’s good to know that while you never want to have to use the service, it is there if you need it,” said NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee.

“We are very proud to continue our long-term sponsorship of this important community service which will see NSW Mining extend its partnership with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service all the way to 2029.”

The mining industry’s support for the Service also includes contributions from individual mining companies, supplier businesses and mining-related unions as well as from thousands of mine employees who make regular donations through their pay.

With around 100 missions every month this year and about 2,000 missions in the last year, the WRHS provides a vital service to many in regional NSW.

WRHS CEO Steven Underwood said the Service was immensely grateful for the support of the NSW Minerals Council.

“Already, in 2024, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has undertaken more than 700 missions in support of the communities that we serve, delivering the clinical team to the patient at the point of need and ensuring that the patient is transported to where they will receive the most appropriate critical care.

“Our dedicated team would not be able to provide this vital aeromedical capability without the support of our valued partners like the NSW Minerals Council.

“Mining is at the heart of so many regional communities covered by our Service and the strong bond between the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the mining industry, a bond that has developed in true partnership over decades, is deeply valued and greatly appreciated indeed.”

LEAPING TO THE RESCUE

Stephen Galilee showed just how much the Service meant to him on August 16, when he joined more than two dozen other business leaders jumping off the edge of Crowne Plaza Terrigal.

The fundraising exercise didn’t only challenge the leaders’ fear of heights, it was also an opportunity to reflect on the Service’s crew who regularly winch people to safety from the bush, ocean and other hard to access locations.

Stephen joined fellow leaders from the mining industry in the fundraising mission including Jennifer Short from Coal Services, Drew Brazaitis from Komatsu, Yancoal’s Justin Peterkin and Tammy Cross from Hexagon Mining who all took the more than 10-metre leap from the top of Crowne Plaza.

“The first few steps were the hardest, there were a few minor panic attacks on the way down but once I got the hang of the equipment it was easy going. One thing is for sure, I was very relieved to be back on the ground,” said Stephen after he’d made it safely to the bottom.

“It’s a great cause and a very important service. Apart from myself it was great to see other people from or related to the mining industry taking part and doing their bit to raise money for the Service.”

Jennifer, General Counsel with Coal Services was very nervous at the start, but she said it was a cause she couldn’t walk past supporting.

“The adrenalin kicked in hard and fast. I just rode the wave!

“It’s a magnificent cause. We work within communities that rely upon this service and I live in that community too. Anyone who lives in regional NSW knows the feeling when the helicopter goes over so it is important it’s available for anyone who needs it.

“If you’re going to get behind anything and you live regionally, it’s a donation you hope you never have to rely upon, but it’s definitely kept communities across NSW healthy and helped us when we needed it,” said Jennifer.

Justin Peterkin is the Mining Engineering Manager at Yancoal’s Ashton Coal mine and has seen firsthand how much the helicopter is needed in mining communities.

“I’ve been at a few mine sites where unfortunately we’ve had to use the helicopter service so it’s always good to have the opportunity to give back.

“With the support of the local community and A-Plus Contracting we’ve raised a bit of money, which is wonderful.

“Standing up at the top and looking around was nice, but sitting back in the harness and letting go was a little daunting! But in the end, it was enjoyable and fun.”

The entire fundraising event wouldn’t be possible with the Mines Rescue team who hook each leader up in their harness and guide them safely over the edge and down the bottom.

Doug Spencer, the Training Officer at Mines Rescue Hunter Valley loves that they get to give back to the community and the service through their involvement.

“It’s an opportunity for us to give back not only to the Service, but to the coal industry each year as we help raise funds for a much-needed Service around the state and here in the Hunter.

“It’s the sort of organisation that you never hope to have to use, but it’s knowing it is there and available. You know that the pilots, the doctors and the engineers in the background are top notch and available. Having that security costs a lot of money so doing days like this goes towards covering those costs and keeping the Service in the air.”

Each leader who made it safely to the ground couldn’t speak more highly of how well they were looked after by the Mines Rescue team. 

“These leaders put their hand up to do this to raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, not knowing them or knowing us so I take my hat off to them. They don’t know my team from a bar of soap, so we try and have some fun with them and make the day as comfortable as possible.”

The event has raised more than $50,000 for the WRHS with Justin and Stephen raising the most money individually.

There’s nothing like a leap of faith to motivate you to raise money!