A total of $21,000 was raised for Westpac Rescue Helicopter last Sunday by Gunnedah and golf lovers.
About 140 players took to the Gunnedah Golf Club to raise money for the charity that provides emergency flight services across Northern NSW.
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service – Gunnedah Support Group didn’t aim for a particular dollar amount raised, but was pleased with the result.
Event coordinator Robin Capp relayed her gratitude toward contributors who were willing to support the golf day.
“I think particularly with the cost of living being so high for people, to have the sort of community support from Gunnedah businesses and residents has been absolutely outstanding,” she said.
“You see [the Westpac Rescue Helicopter] flying off somewhere and you think thankfully we have it.”
The group’s president, Robyn Howarth, echoed that sentiment through her thanks to the golfers, sponsors, volunteers, the golf club and those who donated for their generosity.
“Our group of volunteers have been so impressed with the generosity,” she said.
“It’s great being part of a community that contributes to the wellbeing of others.”
“Your support … is invaluable for keeping the helicopter flying.”
Westpac Rescue Helicopter service flew 458 missions from the Tamworth base in the last financial year. Its coverage starts as far west as Lightning Ridge and Walgett to the Queensland border and as far south as the Hawkesbury River.
Charity events, such as the golf day, help the rescue helicopter to continue operating without cost to the patient.
A recent example given was of an eight-year-old boy who was charged by a cow near Mullaley in which the helicopter service was able to transport him to Newcastle.
It was also needed last Sunday, when a man in his 30s fell from a horse on a property west of Gunnedah .
Later in the day was an auction conducted by Hunter Harley with items donated by businesses and supporters.
$10,000 donation
A notable contribution came from Wendy Mortimer who was responsible for a $10,000 donation to the helicopter service.
She applied for the Live Your Dream program, which gives Komatsu employees the opportunity to apply for funds to a charity of their choice. Komatsu was also the major sponsor of the day.
“This initiative aims to empower our people to give back to causes that have personally impacted them,” Wendy said.
She won the funding for Westpac Rescue Helicopter and emphasised her gratitude in receiving it out of all employees in NSW.
She told her son’s story. Born in the 90s with a rare heart condition in which the local hospital was unequipped to keep him alive if something went wrong.
During this time, Westpac Rescue Helicopter was in its infancy.
Wendy had to live driving between Sydney and home. Since then, he has had two “very successful” surgeries and will need one every 10 years. While they did not personally use the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, she saw it as an important service.
“I want to make sure no parent goes through what I had to go through,” she said.
“That is why [the] donation is not just financial – it’s deeply personal.”
She hopes the funds will go to cardiac equipment for children or anyone who needs it.
“The community is what keeps the helicopter going and Gunnedah is very generous in supporting,” Wendy said.
