Squadron Energy is renewing its support for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Northern New South Wales after helping their Tamworth and Lismore-based aircraft complete more than 1280 missions since July, 2023.

Squadron Energy CEO Rob Wheals said the team were proud to support this vital service for a second year.

“We know how important this chopper service is and are proud to be continuing our support to help it deliver critical emergency medical services, supporting 1.5 million people across Northern NSW,” Mr Wheals said.

“We are always looking at ways to provide benefits to the communities where our projects are based, and we believe this service is more than a benefit, it is a crucial service that saves many lives every year.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s head of fundraising, James Lawrence, expressed gratitude to Squadron Energy’s team.

“We are so grateful to Squadron Energy for their continued support,” Mr Lawrence said.

“Sponsorship of our Service is vital to our sustainability, growth and standards of excellence at these local bases.”

One person who benefitted from the service is Tim Alt who, on November 28 last year, while herding cattle on his property in Rangers Valley, north of Glen Innes, was ejected from his quad bike after hitting a rock.

Tim Alt with the Westpac Helicopter.

He sustained four broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a fractured collarbone.

Local paramedics and the VRA who attended the scene determined Tim needed urgent transport to Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to the scene and a road trip that would have taken just shy of three hours, had Tim in that Tamworth ICU in 45 minutes. After 13 days in hospital, three in ICU and 10 on the ward, Tim went home.

“I cannot speak higher of the staff on the helicopter and the first responders – they were all brilliant and I am grateful for their care,” Mr Alt said.

“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is such an invaluable Service.

“Knowing the aircraft is on standby for the community provides comfort to both our regional area, and to the families of patients around Northern NSW.”

Media Release: Squadron Energy