Volunteers from Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s Gunnedah Support Group acknowledged a collective 120 years between 11 of its members last week.
Those who achieved 20, 10 and five years milestones with the charity group received a pin in recognition of their services.
Other members showed their support with a morning tea at the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre, where the group meets.
The biggest milestone celebrated was 20 years belonging to Heather and John Stephens.
Heather joined the support group at the request of her friend who has since passed. Her husband, John, signed up a couple of months later.
Heather said often people will impart a personal story involving the helicopter when donating.
Sometimes it is a relative, a friend or themselves who needed it.
It makes the volunteer work all the more meaningful, especially with how much she appreciates spending time with her peers.
“You feel like you are helping [everyone], it is not isolating anyone,” she said.
“Everyone works together, we all enjoy each other’s company and we’re achieving things.”
Also sharing the sentiment was Robin Capp.
“It’s a fantastic group of people to work with and that makes it very easy,” she said.
Robin was another celebrating a milestone, with 10 years under her belt in the support group. She had previously lived on a farm 56 kms
outside of Gunnedah before moving into town. She knew the Westpac Rescue Helicopter support group was where she wanted to help.
“I could see the absolute value of the helicopter to rural communities,” she said.
“[It took] no convincing.
“I have never been sorry, it is a beautiful group to work with.”
Each person has worked with the group for a long time and falls into their roles easily when something needs to be done.
A difficult task for volunteers is no doubt asking businesses for sponsorship or for people to dig deep. Despite this, Robin finds people continue to show their support or are kind when unable to.
She gave an example of the recent Purebred Poultry Auction, in which Westpac Rescue Helicopter received a donation of more than $8000.
“We can’t get past the generosity of the community,” Robin said.
Back, Robin Capp, Harvey Stoneman, Deborah Stoneman, John Stephens, John Welch, Heather Stephens, Heather Welch, Pam Shaw, Margaret Langfield, Julie Frend, Peter Capp and Dale Bailey.
Front Deb Buck, Robyn Howarth, Leonie Harley and Chris Frend.
