Rescue Club

 What is the Rescue Club?

People who have been assisted or rescued by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service are members of the Rescue Club. The Rescue Club offers its members the opportunity to learn more about the Service because of the significant role the helicopters and their crews have played in members’ lives.

It also allows for members to be more actively involved in the Service’s community activities.  In 2008 the Rescue Club was created to provide these people with more formal acknowledgement of their role within the Rescue Helicopter community and to provide greater opportunities for them to assist the Service.

Membership

Anyone who has been assisted or rescued by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Hunter - Central Coast - Mid-North Coast can become a member of the Rescue Club.

For babies and children who have been assisted by the Rescue Helicopter their parents or guardians can join them as a member.

Membership requires a people to complete a brief form that asks for some basic information and contact details and allows the person to select the level of contact or involvement with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service.

Members of the Rescue Club receive:

·         A membership badge

·         Opportunities to visit the Broadmeadow to meet the pilots, crew and staff 

·         Receive invitations to functions and events

·         Have the opportunity to become involved in the Volunteer Support Groups that operate across the Hunter -Central Coast - Mid North Coast region

·         Receive the quarterly newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Rescue

Opportunities for members of the Rescue Club

Since the Service was established in Newcastle in 1975 many people who have been transported have contacted staff and crew wanting to help raise awareness of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in the community. Many of these people have since become advocates and fundraisers for the Service by telling their stories and lending a hand to raise funds.

There are a number of ways that members of the Rescue Club can raise the awareness of the work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and how it works within the community and within the emergency care chain.

There is no expectation of commitment for members to become involved with any or all of the following activities.

·         Tell others about their experiences through the local media and through the Rescue magazine and website at www.recuehelicopter.com.au

·         Become an advocate for the Rescue Helicopter in their local community by visiting service clubs, schools and functions.

·         Attend functions and events to talk about their experiences as part of education and fundraising activities.

·         Join a Volunteer Support Group to help raise funds.

·         Conduct an event to raise awareness and funds. 

From Rescue Club members

In July 2006 Keith Lord was diagnosed with a leaking abdominal aneurism and needed urgent emergency surgery. He was flown by the New England – North West Rescue Helicopter to the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for surgery. Just prior to landing Keith’s condition worsened and the aneurism ruptured. He was rushed to surgery and spent a number of weeks in Newcastle before travelling back to Tamworth to recuperate and return to work. Keith is a sales executive for one of the Rescue Helicopter’s Logo Right Sponsors in the New England – North West, Super Network Radio, and works out of the 2TM & 92.9FM station in Tamworth.

I have joined the Rescue Club, because there is a good chance I would not be here today without the Service.

Hamish McLaren
Walcha

I try to visit in hospital each of the people who we’ve transported. Many people are thankful for the quick and efficient way that the helicopter, its crews and accompanying medical and ambulance staff work to save people’s lives. Many also are keen to find out more about the Service and how they can be involved. Captain Ian Osborne Senior Pilot and Service Chaplin

 

For further information

Hunter - Central Coast - Mid North Coast            New England North West
Milena Hartnett (02) 4952 0000                            Barry Walton (02) 6766 6641  
milena.hartnett@rescuehelicopter.com.au          barry.walton@rescuehelicopter.com.au