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New agreement to keep Westpac Rescue helicopters in the sky

The NSW Minerals Council has signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service that’s valued at $500,000.

Backed by over 45 years of operations, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has grown to become a vital 24–7 aeromedical service. The service credits community fundraising and strong partnerships to ensuring the quality, reliability and sustainability of its operations.

NSW Minerals Council has been supporting the service since the mid-1980s. NSW Minerals Council chief executive officer (CEO) Stephen Galilee said the long-standing partnership grows stronger every year.

“We are very proud to continue our long-term sponsorship of this important community service which will see NSW Mining extend its partnership with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service all the way to 2029,” Galilee said.

“Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service flight operations and engineering personnel are highly trained professionals providing the highest level of care to people in our community when they are most in need.

“Our industry’s support for this vital service has never wavered and we are tremendously grateful for the lifesaving work they do.”

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service CEO Steven Underwood said the service was grateful for NSW Minerals Council’s support.

“Already, in 2024, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has undertaken more than 700 missions in support of the communities that we serve, delivering the clinical team to the patient at the point of need and ensuring that the patient is transported to where they will receive the most appropriate critical care,” Underwood said.

“Our dedicated team would not be able to provide this vital aeromedical capability without the support of our valued partners like the NSW Minerals Council.

“Mining is at the heart of so many regional communities covered by our service and the strong bond between the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the mining industry, a bond that has developed in true partnership over decades, is deeply valued and greatly appreciated indeed.”

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