The Westpac Life Saver Helicopter based at Moruya will extend its operational hours following a review.
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“A review conducted earlier this year found that it was important that our helicopter based on the South Coast remain a year-round service,” Westpac Life Saver CEO Stephen Leahy said.
“Only months ago, the O’Farrell Government advised me that we have confirmed funding of $4.4 million over the next four years.
“The review found that a number of incidents occurred in the warmer months but the helicopter crews had finished duty for the day. The government funding has allowed us to extend our hours so we should be able to assist the local community and our emergency services better.”
From the October long weekend, the service will operate until 8pm instead of 6pm.
The Westpac Life Saver rescue helicopter provides aviation search and rescue services to the NSW Police Force, the State Emergency Service, the Rural Fire Service and Surf Life Saving NSW.
Initially set up in December 2010 as a summer service on the south NSW South Coast, the Westpac Lifesaver helicopter now operates all year round from its base at Moruya Airport.
Meanwhile, the helicopter service is also seeking Expressions of Interest from suitable community members to form their South Coast Advisory Group.
“The function of the Advisory Group will be to advise and assist our Board of Directors in relation to all matters relevant to or arising out of the Company’s operations and activities on the NSW South Coast,” Mr Leahy said.
“We are very keen to make sure that our South Coast service provides the best level of support to the local community and we are keen to see the community involved with ongoing direction and fundraising capacity of our base.”
The Group will meet several times a year and will comprise of representatives from the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Shires.
Anyone interested in expressing interest in joining the Advisory Group should contact the Service’s CEO, Stephen Leahy via email at sleahy@lifesaver.org.au