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History

Hunter, Central and Mid North Coasts Service

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service commenced operation with an all-volunteer crew during the summer of 1975 flying a Bell 47 helicopter. The Service was initially dedicated to surf rescue and coastal observation duties, and operated during the summer months. However, it was not long before a full twelve-month service was required. With the assistance of additional funds from sponsors and support from the community, the Service commenced 24 hour a day, year round operations in 1981.

The Helicopter Service upgraded to a twin engine Dauphin helicopter in 1990, as a result community support through the Angel One Helicopter Appeal. The $2.5m twin-engine rescue helicopter provided the Service with a vast increase in medical and rescue capability, as well as providing added safety on all flights. Unfortunately, the Dauphin was damaged beyond repair in a crash near Barrington House on 13 February 1993, without injury to the crew.

In May 1993 a Bell 412SP helicopter was purchased from the Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. The helicopter was extensively modified in Brisbane and delivered to Newcastle in September of the same year.

In December 2007 the Rescue Helicopter replaced the single engine Bell 407 with a twin engine BK117.

New England - North West Service

The concept of a service based in the New England and North West of NSW regions first surfaced in approximately 1994. Marketing Officer Barry Walton and operational staff identified it as a means by which the Service could better serve all the regions for which it is responsible.

Following strong community support expressed at a Board meeting held in Tamworth in December 1997, the then local state member for Tamworth, Tony Windsor was asked to become Chairman of a local Advisory Committee. Another Advisory Committee member, Max Cathcart was commissioned to prepare a feasibility study to determine whether there was a demonstrated requirement for a helicopter to be based in the New England / North West region.

In March 1999, Health Minister Craig Knowles announced a review of Aeromedical Services in NSW. The review agreed that viable regional services could be established in NSW and Tamworth was one of those sites.

A farming accident near Walcha in mid 1999 focused wide attention on the need for an aeromedical helicopter to service the New England - North West regions of NSW. Raised awareness and community support led to the formation of the new service.

The New England and North West Service was launched at a ceremony at BAE Systems hangar at Tamworth Airport on Friday 25th August 2000 with widespread support from the people of the region. A suitable aircraft, a Bell 407 was sourced in the USA in March 2000 and brought to Australia for its EMS fit out, prior to it being commissioned into service.

In February 2007 the Bell 407 crash landed near Warialda on the way to a motor vehicle accident. Despite the helicopter being severely damaged the pilot, crewman and Medical Practitioner on board were not injured.

With the generous support of the community the Rescue Helicopter purchased a twin engine BK117 that year.