The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service

The Northern Region Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is a not-for-profit community-oriented organisation. We are based in Lismore, just west of Byron Bay in northern New South Wales.

For more than 28 years, we have provided an aero medical service to the region's residents and visitors. During this period we have flown more than 6000 life-saving missions. Currently the rescue helicopter averages 6-7 missions a week.

We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Flight crews live on base after hours to provide a fast response to emergency calls…in fact as you are reading this, a helicopter crew is on duty or out on a mission. We act as an integral part of the Northern Region Emergency Response system and enjoy a close working relationship with all other emergency services, particularly the Ambulance.

However, saving lives comes at a cost (although the service is free). Our annual operating budget is $6.5 million, of which the community contributes more than half.

Fundraising is a year-in and year-out process; however residents, businesses and other non-profit organisations throughout our region have been very generous supporters. Funds are raised from donations, payroll deductions, bequests and proceeds from special events.

WE JUST CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT.

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Meet some of the people we have helped…

Amanda and Jackson Falvey Lennox Head Amanda’s son Jackson airlifted to Brisbane with a twisted bowel, 2006

Merilyn and Dude Ensbey Casino Dude airlifted from Casino to Lismore in 10 minutes, following truck accident, 2006

Sharon and Maya Peart Casino Sharon's daughter Maya was airlifted to Mater Hospital for specialist treatment for Asthma, 2010.

Lachlan Cowan Marom Creek 6-year-old Lachlan airlifted to Lismore with bruised liver and hole in both lungs after rural accident, 2005

Without the support of the northern region community, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter simply wouldn’t exist. Please help us to continue to raise vital funds to ensure this essential service continues to operate for many more years to come.