The community who gathered to raise more than $85,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter (WRHS) were the stars of the night at the Bengalla Upper Hunter Rescue Ball in Singleton on Saturday August 16.
It’s the third Rescue Ball that has been held in the Upper Hunter, this one made even more special and spectacular for the 50th anniversary of the WRHS saving lives across northern NSW.
What made it even better again was that the night raised more than $85,000 for the WRHS. Incredible.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell was one of about 300 guests including plenty of the Bengalla workforce, local businesses and individuals who gathered to raise money for the Service at the Singleton Civic Centre.
Norma Burri, WRHS Regional Partnerships Officer for the Hunter region said it was a night to remember.
“It was spectacular. The working group created an incredible atmosphere at the Civic Centre.
“Gavin Morris kept everyone entertained as our celebrity emcee and Brad Blaze put on an incredible performance showcasing his artistic talents and auctioning off three paintings for the Service.
“Planet Groove had everyone up dancing and a big thank you to Peter Dunn who headed up our live auction. We want to thank everyone who dug deep and helped us raise lots of money to continue keeping the helicopter in the air.
“Thanks to your incredible generosity, together we raised over $85,000 in support of your local Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. We are truly humbled and deeply grateful for the kindness and community spirit that made this achievement possible.
“Your fundraising will be invested to ensure the sustainability and standards of excellence in our operations including facilities, training, equipment, people and new technologies to enable the highest standards,” said Norma.
It’s fair to say the Upper Hunter knows how to give and everyone is already asking for the date for the 2026 Upper Hunter Rescue Ball.
