THE impressive new Westpac Rescue Helicopter, an AgustaWestland AW139 worth $16 million and complete with a $2 million medical fit out, will be paraded at Westport Park between 9 and 11am on Wednesday, October 18.
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Anyone is welcome to attend to see the helicopter that services our area. It was called out for five major incidents in the recent school holidays.
Community Liason Officer for the MNC for Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Richard McGovern, said the pilot will give a talk and will also launch fundraisers ahead of their Leaders Leap on November 17.
“It was up here for a few major issues during the holidays. We want to highlight that the helicopter had the two fatalities on the highway, two motorbike accidents and we also winched a lady off the carnival spirit cruise ship,” he said.
“Obviously we don’t want these incidents to happen but it was a busy holiday for the helicopter on the Mid North Coast. We basically burnt in fuel the equivalent of the Hastings, Foster and Taree support groups yearly fundraising efforts.
“That’s over $200,000 worth in two weeks of school holidays. Over the 42 years it’s been servicing our community no one has ever had to pay.”