The Community's Own

Every dollar you raise during Rescue Month supports your Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Northern NSW. Providing a vital 24-7 aeromedical search and rescue service for our community, the Service supports over 1.5 million people from bases in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore.

Your support keeps us ready to respond to those who need it most.

On board every mission is a Pilot, Aircrew Officer, Critical Care NSW Ambulance Paramedic and NSW Health Doctor. Some missions may also include a specialist nursing professional.

By taking part in Rescue Month, you are a part of every life saving mission we fly.

Your fundraising dollars help to keep the Rescue Helicopter flying 24-7 for those in need.

Missions

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service conductsover 1,500 missions a year, including responding to emergency Triple Zero (000) calls, inter-hospital transfers and search and rescue.

Every day the Service is proud to deliver the very best in aeromedical support for those in need 24-7.

Find out more

Funding

It costs approximately $40 million a year to keep the helicopters and crews ready to respond when needed.

Of this, $12 million is raised through sponsorships, Volunteer, Support Group activities, events and partnerships with our community.

The remainder is funded through contracts with NSW Health and NSW Ambulance.

AW139 fleet

Our fleet of four state of the art AgustaWestland 139 (AW139) aircraft, operate from three bases at Belmont, Lismore and Tamworth Airports.

Deep maintenance, engineering and administration are at Broadmeadow (Newcastle).

The AW139s surpass all other medium twin-engine helicopters in operational range, performance and power and have greatly improved the Service’s operational capabilities.

Our aircraft is fully equipped to handle multiple scenarios over land and sea, without the need to return to base. We have an impressive array of equipment on board including a defibrillator, Blood products, pharmacology, portable ultrasound, and a ventilator, which allows us to deliver advance life support. We also carry many more specialist rescue equipment including a child rescue valise.

Watch Emily's Rescue Story