September 29, 2023
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) is celebrating 50 years of service nationally since its first day of operations on 29 September 1973. Westpac (then Bank of New South Wales) has been proudly supporting the Service since it began, making it one of the longest community partnerships in Australia.
The milestone coincides with the release of new operations data, which reveals that over the past five decades, the WLRHS has performed more than 100,000 missions – with no one ever having to pay to be rescued. It is a timely reminder to all Australians to stay safe along the coast and in the great outdoors as we head into summer.
Today the Services operate 15 aircraft and one rescue boat, backed by more than 300 helicopter crew and personnel across Australia.
Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service has been operating since 1976, playing a critical community service for the state. The WLRHS operates two helicopters from two bases- at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast and Carrara on the Gold Coast.
Since 2017, Queensland’s WLRHS has undertaken 43 rescues, 14 aeromedical missions and patrolled over 138,000 beaches, providing a crucial service to keep Queenslanders safe.
Westpac State General Manager Queensland Greg Crocombe said “Westpac is incredibly proud of our partnership with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, which has been keeping Australians safe for half a century.
“The Service has been there for Queenslanders for five decades, reuniting friends and families and providing a beacon of hope along our beautiful coastline, in the bush and our regions at their time of need”, Greg said.
WLRHS Chief Pilot Paul Gibson has been with the service for over 10 years and has performed more than 1,000 patrol hours. He said giving back to the community has been a highlight of his career.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the dedicated WLRHS team for the last ten years. Seeing the impact of returning loved ones to their families has been invaluable,” Paul said.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service has never been more important, as new Surf Life Saving Australia data reveals drowning deaths continue to happen in unacceptable numbers, with on average 121 coastal drowning deaths with males accounting for 87%.
To help curb these sobering statistics, Westpac will be continuing to land Westpac rescue helicopters at school and community events around Australia to help educate Aussies about water safety.
Westpac recently committed to supporting the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service for a further five years, taking the partnership past 50 years.
To find out more about the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, or donate to the Surf Life Saving Queensland Service, visit: Westpac.com.au/rescuehelicopters
Well known missions
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service has played a role in some of Australia’s biggest moments of need.
National rescues