Motorcycling NSW is pleased to support the launch of our Community Partner Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s annual End of Financial Year Appeal. Through the appeal, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is taking the opportunity to acknowledge the ‘unsung heroes’ behind the scenes who are helping to save local lives. A worthy cause to support with the service heavily involved in our community, with 35 motorcycle-related missions taking place between the months of May – June this year.
Westpac Rescue Helicopter CEO, Richard Jones OAM, stated “The community knows our aircraft by sight, and they know the crucial roles played by our Pilots and Aircrew Officers and have the greatest admiration for the life-saving abilities of the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Teams”. He furthered this, noting, “What they are not so aware of, is the vital role played by our Engineering Teams at our heavy maintenance facility at Broadmeadow and at each of our three Bases at Tamworth, Belmont and Lismore. Our ability to service communities 24/7 across Northern NSW is only achieved through the ongoing maintenance and technical ability of our Engineering Teams keeping our aircraft on standby and ready to respond to those in need.”
This year, the Service’s Engineering Teams at its Broadmeadow Heavy Maintenance Facility, face the intricate exercise of completing major four yearly maintenance inspections on each of the Service’s four multimillion-dollar aircraft.
“The Team essentially strip each aircraft back to a shell and then rebuild it, with any necessary replacement parts and components sourced from the aircraft manufacturers in Italy or from suppliers here in Australia,’ Jones said. ‘It’s a complex, time-consuming and highly involved process that takes several weeks and is meticulously planned to ensure we can have our aircraft back in service as soon as possible,” Jones continued.
“It’s a significant cost to conduct these inspections, so on behalf of our Engineering Team, I’d like to thank the community for their continued support and say a special thank you in advance to those who are able to help us once again during this Appeal, as it’s not just a donation, it’s helping us to save local lives,” Jones concluded.
To make a tax-deductible donation before June 30, visit www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/appeal
