Service CEO Chris Kimball said the South Coast community had supported the service since its inception. 

“The support is really important for us to keep going,” Mr Kimball said at the gathering in Batemans Bay. 

“We rely on donations from individuals, community fund-raising, as well as corporate and sponsor support to keep the helicopter in the air, doing what it does best: saving lives. 

“The South Coast chapter is one of our most valuable groups, started by past patients from Broulee.” 

Mr Kimball said a quarter of the helicopter’s missions were to the South Coast. 

“We are here more than 100 times a year,” he said.  

“It is an area that keeps us busy, whether it is primary missions to accidents on the roads, in the surf or in the bush. 

“We have a lot of patient transfers from Batemans Bay and Bega Hospitals. 

“This is one of our most important regions and we really appreciate the support people give back.

“Community support is absolutely critical for us.”

South Coast chapter volunteer Carolyn Harding said that while she may never personally need the service, she believed the community deserved the best.

“It is an opportunity for me to help someone else,” Mrs Harding said. 

“We are so isolated and we really rely on this service, especially if the (Clyde) mountain is closed and we can’t get up there. 

“It is a community project I believe in.”

Eurobodalla Shire councillor Neil Burnside echoed her thoughts. 

“It is hugely important for our community,” Cr Burnside said. 

“Without this service, a lot of lives would have been lost and a lot more would be lost in the future.”