NSW mining industry proudly backs Rescue Helicopter Service

Since the first Westpac Rescue Service Helicopter took to the skies in the early 1980s to provide emergency medical assistance for regional communities, it has been an angel on the shoulder of the people of the NSW mining industry.

The NSW mining industry was an early supporter of the Rescue Helicopter Service, with this backing set to stretch to almost 45 years under a new five year, $500,000 sponsorship agreement from the NSW Minerals Council. 

The Rescue Helicopter Service is highly valued by tens of thousands of people living in mining communities across the Hunter, and more broadly in communities across Northern NSW, All of its dedicated personnel are highly trained professionals, providing urgent care to people in our community when most in need. 

Mining’s support for the Rescue Helicopter Service also includes contributions from individual mining companies, supplier businesses and mining-related unions, and from thousands of mining workers who generously make regular voluntary donations each week through their wages. 

Recently I participated in the Annual ‘Leaders Leap’ fundraising challenge to help raise further funds in support of the Rescue Helicopter Service.

This involved an early morning abseil down the side of the Crowne Plaza in Terrigal, together with others from in and around the Hunter mining industry who had also volunteered to do so. 

While abseiling down the side of an eight story building is outside of my usual comfort zone, it is nothing compared to the courageous work the Rescue Helicopter Service personnel undertake every day.

Our industry will proudly continue to support the Rescue Helicopter Service into the future, and I highly recommend the ‘Leaders Leap’ abseiling fundraiser to anyone who may be keen to show their support next year.

Stephen Galilee
CEO, NSW Minerals Council