Helicopter Service thanks their volunteers
Service Thanks Its ‘Change Makers’ During National Volunteer Week
As Australia prepares to celebrate National Volunteer Week (May 15-21), the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is acknowledging the valuable contribution of its dedicated volunteers as the ‘Change Makers’ in communities right across Northern NSW.
The Service has close to 900 loyal volunteers, scattered across Northern NSW towns in over 35 Volunteer Support Groups and six (6) Op Shops, undertaking a variety of fundraising initiatives from raffles to BBQ’s and major events.
“The theme for National Volunteer Week this year is ‘The Change Makers’ and our volunteers have long made a vital contribution to our fundraising efforts to assist the Service to respond to the communities of Northern NSW,” Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service CEO Richard Jones OAM said.
”Through the provision of our world class aeromedical service from our Bases in Tamworth, Lismore and Belmont and the support of our fantastic volunteers right across our service area, we are collectively ‘making change’ for the better every day by helping save local lives,” Jones continued. “Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. That is a change that we all appreciate and value in communities large and small throughout Northern NSW.”
“National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital contribution and change made by volunteers who selflessly give of their time in their local community, and I’d like to say thank you to all volunteers for their continued support and dedication to helping others and actively making change through their efforts.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge the support of THIESS who share our commitment to the recognition of volunteers and their vital work and on behalf of our staff, the Board and Regional Advisory Committees, I would like to thank every person who has or continues to volunteer for the Service,” Jones concluded.
Anyone wishing to volunteer for the Service and help ‘make change’ can contact their local Volunteer Coordinator on 1800 155 155 or visit rescuehelicopter.com/au/volunteer
About the Service:
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was established in 1975 and through community support and fundraising it has become a critical service that operates four AW139 helicopters from three bases in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore.
The Service, in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, delivers aeromedical search, rescue and inter-hospital transfers to care for communities from north of the Hawkesbury River, through to the Queensland border and throughout the New England North West.
Along with the Pilot and Aircrew Officer, every primary response mission launches with a dedicated NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic, NSW Health Doctor and depending on the needs of each patient the team may include specialist nursing professionals.
Westpac Bank, the Community, Business Partners and the NSW Government through NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, provide the funds to ensure the Westpac Rescue Helicopter continues to save lives across Northern NSW.