As summer approaches the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is preparing for what is traditionally one of the busiest times across its service area and has launced its annual Summer Appeal to raise valuable funds for the Service’s operations.

Whether it’s simply getting outdoors and being more active on the weekend or undertaking longer breaks across the school holidays, summer invariably sees people travelling and holidaying throughout Northern NSW’s coastal and regional communities.

“We know from past experience that across summer, our crews from all of our three Bases located in Lismore, Tamworth and Belmont encounter increased calls for help from those in need,” Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Major Gifts & Donor Manager Zeke Huish said.

“We see people right across Northern NSW out enjoying all that the warmer months have to offer in both regional and coastal areas. With this increased activity, we know that despite everyone’s best efforts to remain safe, we will be called upon for people in need of urgent medical assistance.

“Annually we have the challenge of fundraising over $14M to help keep our operations on standby and ready to respond 24/7.

“I’m mindful however that the communities we support in past years have endured hardship that has included multiple waves of COVID, unprecedented flooding and bushfires, that have impacted families and businesses alike in centres right across our response area. Now, they face the growing burden of cost-of-living pressures.

“With this in mind, we acknowledge that any donation made, no matter how small, will be gratefully appreciated and importantly, go towards the donors local Base, contributing to our ability to remain on standby 24/7 right across the summer months to help save local lives,” Zeke concluded.

Today, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service operates in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, to deliver the highest standard of aeromedical and rescue services to those in need across a state-wide network.

An NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and NSW Health doctor are on board each AW139 aircraft to provide the highest quality critical care where it is needed most.