About Us

Serving the community since 1975.

Since 1975 the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has grown from a part-time voluntary summer beach patrol to world-class aeromedical search and rescue operation.

The original service was created by The Newcastle branch of Surf Life Saving Australia, as a surf rescue and coastal observation operation during the summer months using a Bell 47 helicopter.

It was at this point that Westpac (then the Bank of NSW) formed a partnership that has paved the way for one of Australia's longest and most successful community partnerships.

Mission

We will provide the highest standard of 24 hour aeromedical, search and rescue service free of charge to the communities of the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and North West regions of New South Wales. We will be fully accountable to our community, corporate partners and the NSW Government.

Operations

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service operates as part of NSW Emergency Services.

All helicopter operations are sourced through the Ambulance Service of NSW, Medical Retrieval Unit, Hunter New England Health, AMSA and NSW Police Service.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has two dedicated base operations at Tamworth and Broadmeadow in Newcastle.

At each base there are hangar and engineering facilities, crew accommodation and office space for administration staff. The bases also includes refueling and maintenance facilities.

Missions

Each year the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service undertakes more than 1400 missions across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and North West regions. A list of recent missions is available on the link below.

Shop

Welcome to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Shop.

We offer a range of products to suit all ages and budgets, from the cute and cuddly to the practical reminders of your support of the work we do in our community.

Click Here to start shopping