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Management

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service employs full-time professional pilots, air crewmen, engineers and administration and marketing staff.

Management Team

Richard Jones (General Manager)
Richard was appointed General Manager in November 1995. He was previously Manager of South Newcastle Leagues Club. Since accepting the position he has overseen major improvements to facilities at the Broadmeadow Base and the establishment of the Service at Tamworth for the New England & North West. Richard’s successful career in Rugby League with St George and locally with South Newcastle and Singleton has provided him with a wide network of contacts, many of whom support the Service in a variety of ways.

Peter Alcock (Company Secretary)
Company Secretary Peter Alcock was a foundation crew member of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service when it commenced operations in 1975. Since then, he has been a member of the Board of Directors, the honorary Treasurer and joined the staff in 1993 as Company Accountant. He is a Life Member of Merewether SLSC and Vice President of NSW Country Junior Rugby Union.

Phil Williams (Business Manager)
Phil Williams is the Business Manager of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, a position he has held since June 2003. In this role he is responsible for the marketing and fundraising operations of the Service to ensure donations from the community supplement monies from the contract held with Ambulance Service of NSW. His background includes 15 years experience with the not for profit organisations (National Heart Foundation and The Cancer Council NSW) and 15 years in the tertiary education sector. Phil is married and has two married children and two grandchildren.

Peter Cook (Chief Pilot Bell 412SP, BK117)
Originally hailing from New Zealand, Peter Cook joined the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in 1989 and is the longest serving full time operational employee of the company. Previously, he flew as an instructor and general charter pilot in and around Sydney as well as a stint in Papua New Guinea. Peter is married with one of his three sons still at home.

Graham Nickisson (Crew Chief)
Graham began as a volunteer crewman through his involvement with Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club. He eventually became a full-time crewman and assumed the role of Crew Chief. Graham is widely respected in the Emergency Services as an expert in aeromedical evacuation, especially with winching operations. He is married with two children.

David Oswald (Chief Engineer)
A member of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service staff since May 2000, David Oswald is married with two children. He enjoys sport, travelling and motorbikes.

John Candy (Accountant)
John Candy has been a member of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service staff since August 2000. Originally from Inverell and Tamworth, he moved to Newcastle in 1994 to complete his studies at the university. He enjoys playing and watching most sports in his leisure time, lives in Maryville with partner Jody and daughter Analiese.

Robert Jenkins (Safety Manager)
Robert Jenkins commenced in his present position as Safety Manager in March 2008. He previously worked for the Service for 12 years until 2002 as a helicopter crewman and was senior crewman when he left to pursue a career in OH & S. He graduated from the University of Newcastle and worked as a consultant with AW Workwise before moving to Boeing Australia as the Regional Safety Health & Environment Manager. Experience as a crewman and working with engineering and production personnel at Boeing Australia has provided Robert with unique knowledge in aviation safety and OH & S issues. In his spare time, Robert keeps busy training as a member of the Air Force Reserves at Williamtown, spending time with his family, going to the beach and boating.