When Tegan Philpott laces up her boots for Tasmania’s Three Capes Trek this October, she’s walking with purpose for every life saved by BMA CQ Rescue and for the future of the service she helps support.
As CQ Rescue’s Stakeholder, Sponsorship and Communications Manager, Tegan works behind the scenes to ensure the aeromedical service remains visible and funded. This trek marks her most personal fundraising role yet.
“While I do work at BMA CQ Rescue now, I’ve always been passionate about the cause. Back in 2001, I walked to Airlie Beach to raise funds for the charity, so when this opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to be part of our very first fundraising trek.”
Putting her name forward was a matter of leading by example.
“When I’m in, I’m all in. I’m proud of the role I play at the organisation, but I also have team members who put their lives on the line to save others. I feel like it’s my duty to step up and fundraise too. I’m often the one receiving donations from companies and groups, so this is my turn.”
Tegan is one of several trekkers taking on the rugged Three Capes Trek to raise awareness and funds for CQ Rescue, which serves one of Australia’s largest and most remote regions.
BMA CQ Rescue flew 729 missions in 2024 across Central and North Queensland, including 259 in the Mackay region, 181 in the Isaac region, and 264 in the Whitsundays. That figure includes inter hospital transfers, search and rescue, search missions at sea and remote locations, and flights to mine sites and cattle properties.
“As the only aeromedical facility in the region, we’re the community’s lifeline. We can reach people faster than anyone else, with a doctor and a paramedic on board. We’re partially government funded but still need to raise more than $6 million every year to keep flying.
“I’m not capable of flying a helicopter or being a doctor, but I can still help. If someone like me can take this on, anyone can.”
She has set a fundraising goal of $3,000 through a Grassrootz campaign. Community interest has already been strong.
“Some people think we’re all a bit mad, and we probably are, but the support has been amazing. I can’t save lives, but I can walk. It’s the least I can do.
“I’ve run a marathon or two, so I’m ready for the mental fight. Physically, I’ll just start walking and won’t stop until I make it. Our rescue crew don’t get to stop when they hit a wall, so that’s not an option for me either.”
She’s joined by fellow fundraiser Lynne Moran. In 2019 Lynne used her first aid training to assist after a shark attack on her best friend Justine Barwick in the Whitsundays. Justine credits CQ Rescue with saving her life after the crew winched one of their officers into the water and flew her to hospital in critical condition.
“There is no doubt in my mind that without CQ Rescue, I wouldn’t be here today. They saved my life.”
Lynne is now walking in honour of that day and for the crew who made sure her friend didn’t die on her watch.
“I’m not really a hiker, but this is personal. This is for Justine. This is for CQ Rescue. I want to give back to the crew who made sure I didn’t lose my best friend that day.”
Tegan says stories like Lynne’s are a reminder of what’s at stake.
“I’m trekking for every person in our region. I’m trekking so that we can continue to say ‘yes’ when you need us.”
There is still time for others to sign on and you only need a moderate level of fitness.
“The more trekkers we have, the more funds we raise. Come walk with us.”
