Northern Rivers Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service
Page: 7485
Mr GEORGE (Lismore) [12.31 p.m.]: I rise with a good news story. I am pleased that the Parliamentary Secretary for Health is in the Chamber. I congratulate the Northern Region Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter on its 20 years of service. It has a very proud and enviable record of saving many lives and reducing the long-term suffering of thousands of people. Indeed, this anniversary is a milestone that stands testimony to its dedication and support of the community. The occasion has certainly been celebrated. Shiela Avelin and Robyne Jack were patients transferred by the helicopter for more definitive patient care. As neighbours, good friends and people who are extremely grateful to the helicopter rescue service, they joined forces and became a formidable team in organising a thank-you walk from Tintenbar to Lismore for the twentieth anniversary celebration held last Sunday 17 November.
This morning I have heard other members refer to their local helicopter services and their requirements. The former member for Lismore Mr Bruce Duncan, as chairman, and myself as a past director of the organisation know that the current chairman, Warren Tozer, Perry Wells, employees and volunteers of the service have developed an outstanding service which I believe is the envy of other services in the State. I am very proud of it. It was great to see the service hold a celebration last Sunday to thank the community, which has been 100 per cent behind the service since its establishment. The cost of running it is shared equally by the Government and the community. Fundraising events held throughout the region are always well supported.
The special guest on the day was Lisa Chappell, who plays Claire McLeod in McLeod's Daughters. She was a tremendous hit and signed autographs all day. When offered the opportunity to take a spell, she declined. Other activities on the day included displays by the Lismore City Pipe Band, the Emerald Hill Big Band, Gregarious Chance, Ava Belle and Noel Wright, David Hallet and the Lismore Poet's Cup winner, Elizabeth Lord and Leigh James, the Roy Ainsworth Band, Monkey and the Fish, endangered species projects, Swanky Dee, Mal and the Longboarders, and Col Finley and his band. Col Finley is a well-known country music artist who provided great entertainment. He has been a great supporter of the service over the years and is very appreciative of its work. The community relations officer, Howard Atkinson, said that it was a chance for the helicopter rescue service to thank the community for its support. Many people enjoyed the day. The helicopters were on the ground and most of the service clubs offered support. It was an opportunity for the service to thank everyone who has made a contribution over the years.
Unlike cities, remote regions do not have ready access to ambulances. The help provided by the helicopter service is unequalled. It has saved many lives, because it is the golden hour that counts. Transporting someone from as far west as Inverell, south-east to Coffs Harbour, up to Lismore and Brisbane when required has saved many lives. My dear father, Ned George, owes his life to the service. On behalf of everyone, I thank the Northern Region Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter for 20 years of service. We are all proud to be part of the team that makes the community of Lismore a better place.
Mr McMANUS (Heathcote—Parliamentary Secretary) [12.36 p.m.], in reply: I congratulate the member for Lismore. Over the past couple of years in my role as the Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Minister for Health one of my prime responsibilities has been aeromedical retrieval. I have worked very closely with the honourable member for Lismore in this area. I know the work that he, Warren Tozer, Perry Wells and the committee have done in setting up the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service. The Westpac helicopter is an integral part of the aeromedical retrieval system in New South Wales. It is second to none in the world. Along with other community-based organisations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, it provides a very special service by transporting people to hospital, particularly those suffering trauma and major illness. It is the forerunner of ambulance services in this country in the next 20 years. Those who are involved today are the pioneers of something very special in the future. I congratulate Warren Tozer, Perry Wells and the organisation on its 20 years of service.