37-419: Westpac Rescue Helicopter can refer to: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service , Australia Westpac Rescue Helicopter (New Zealand) , New Zealand Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Westpac Rescue Helicopter . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change
74-622: A Eurocopter EC135 P2 . NVH has since been retired from SLSQ entirely, with NVF transitioning to Police operations, replaced by VH-NVG Structure Tamworth, New South Wales Lismore, New South Wales Westpac 2 Westpac 3 Westpac 4 Westpac 5 Tamworth Regional Airport Lismore Airport Since the 1970s helicopters have been part of the fleet of NSW Ambulance . The SLSA -owned Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLSRHS) started receiving NSW Government funding for its service in 1978; with funding and tasking arrangements put in place in 1989. By 2006 there were nine helicopters operating across
111-432: A deal with Mirvac to purchase the airport as a base of operations in exchange for the redevelopment of Warnervale Airport , owned by the club. This deal did not eventuate. Lake Macquarie City Council expressed an interest in maintaining the site for aviation uses. Although the airport is privately owned and council has limited control over the site, zoning restrictions encourage future aviation use. The council rejected
148-594: A deal with Mirvac to purchase the airport, but backed out of negotiations before the deal could be finalised. At the same time Mirvac was involved in separate negotiations with Anthony Penn Boucaut, founder of Skydive the Beach, to purchase the property. Ironically, Hall and Boucaut knew each other, but neither knew or believed there was another party bidding for the airfield until the matter came up in conversation. Boucaut also knew James Guest from Skyline Aviation, and both Rob Hibberd and Ricky Duncan from Airborne Windsports and
185-529: A proposal by Mirvac to redevelop the airport into housing estates. Instead, the council's Lifestyle 2030 Strategy development plan, published in March 2013 identifies the airport as having "ongoing potential for use by commuter aircraft" to serve Sydney and regional areas while generating business and employment opportunities. In 2013, a consortium represented by Skyline Aviation Group and Red Bull Air Race pilot Matt Hall were reported as being close to closing
222-540: A sealed runway and control tower completed by 1968. Although the site was already constrained, local residents opposed any expansion of the airport that would allow longer runways and expanded passenger services using larger aircraft. For most of its history, the airfield functioned as the base for Aeropelican Air Services formed by Hilder in 1971. Aeropelican operated commuter flights to and from Sydney using DHC-6 Twin Otters . Once these services were withdrawn in 2006,
259-551: A single runway 07/25, 880 m (2,890 ft) long with a sealed bitumen surface, although the available takeoff and landing distances are shorter and there is a displaced threshold to allow sufficient clearance over the Pacific Highway , at the eastern end of the runway. As of 2020, there was no runway lighting or fuel facility available at Lake Macquarie Airport. Pilots utilise a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to safely co-ordinate arrivals and departures as there
296-767: A year-round, day-time operation (from 1 December 2011). Southern now operates two bases covering from the Central Coast to the Victorian border. In Queensland , the Service patrols the southeast coast, performing beach patrols, search & rescue, shark sightings and warnings and provides assistance to Surf Lifesavers in the water and on the beach, utilising VH-NVG, a Eurocopter EC135 P2+ , and VH-SLQ, also an EC135 P2+. The service also operates two helicopters on behalf of Queensland Police (VH-NVF and VH-POF), both EC-135s. In 2020 former Westpac-branded helicopter VH-NVF
333-725: Is governed by a Board with local management and an advisory committee . The relevant organisations are: The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service operates in six states in Australia . The Northern NSW and Tasmania Service is contracted to fly helicopters with on-board specialist doctors and paramedics . In New South Wales , there are five operation bases and a total of six rescue aircraft. Westpac 1, 2, 3, 4 are spread across 3 bases; Lake Macquarie Airport Newcastle , Tamworth Airport , Lismore Airport . The 4 aircraft rotate between these bases covering Newcastle/Hunter to South East Queensland . In Sydney , Lifesaver 21
370-584: Is a helicopter surf lifesaving service that operates in Australia . Founded in 1973 by Surf Life Saving Australia , a not-for-profit organisation , the service has carried out more than 80,000 flights ranging from aeromedical to search and rescue missions. The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is the largest non-profit search and rescue and aeromedical retrieval service in Australia. Its aircraft and trained medical and operational crews respond quickly and effectively to emergencies threatening
407-541: Is based; Lifesaver 23 is based in Moruya both aircraft are operated by Helistar. With support of major sponsor, Westpac, Greater Sydney opened a summer-time base at Moruya Airport in December 2010 for three months. A total of 67 missions were achieved in the first season. The previous Labor Government provided funding for Sydney to return to all-hours operations (from 1 October 2011) and the south coast service would become
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#1732790249780444-479: Is located on a narrow peninsula between the Pacific Highway and a shallow tidal inlet that forms the entrance to Lake Macquarie. An airfield located between the suburbs of Swansea and Belmont was first proposed by local resident Keith Hilder, who intended to develop the site to host a flying school and air charter service. Approval was granted by the Department of Civil Aviation in 1962, with construction of
481-590: Is no control tower located at this airport. Under current guidelines, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has classified Belmont as an Aircraft Landing Area (ALA) as due to land constraints the site infrastructure does not meet the dimensions required to operate as a registered airport, placing some restriction on future uses for commercial passenger flights. Current operations include aeromedical retrieval and search and rescue services across northern New South Wales by NSW Ambulance and
518-416: Is operational from September to April on Weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Search and rescue (SAR) and surveillance: The flight crew usually consists of one pilot (or two pilots on varying aircraft), one air crew officer, and one rescue swimmer. The crews consist of both paid and volunteer positions. Aeromedical: Besides pilots, there are several specialist crew members. The air crewman assists
555-750: Is the Adelaide mid-south coastline from North Haven to Normanville , and the South Coast from Parsons Beach to the Murray Mouth , including Victor Harbor , Port Elliot , Middleton and Goolwa . It works together with other Surf Lifesaving support services, including Lifesaver 2 and Lifesaver 3 , the state Jet Rescue Boats. The Service launched operations in Western Australia in December 2008 at Rous Head, Fremantle with patrols beaches on weekends, public holidays and busy weekdays over
592-480: Is three times higher than before." Ahead of the publication of the Auditor-General's report, it was reported in December 2009 that CHC were seeking to sell its Australian air services arm, following a series of mishaps including engine failures, windows falling out of the aircraft, no installed air conditioning system inside the cabin as well as response delays to accident sites. In 2011, Jillian Skinner ,
629-618: The NSW Minister for Health , announced the government's decision to award a contract for the Greater Sydney area to Canadian Helicopter Corporation (CHC), which was already providing a service in Wollongong and Canberra , for commencement from May 2007; effectively terminating the contracts for the Greater Sydney area held by WLSHRS and CareFlight. No interstate operations were affected by the change in contract. A summary of
666-452: The 2 existing MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 with new upgraded versions operated by Helistar during 2020. The Victoria service saw the addition of Lifesaver 31 in the 2020/21 season, as a dedicated surveillance aircraft equipped with high definition cameras and a FLIR device. The Queensland Sunshine Coast Helicopter VH-NVH, a MBB Bo 105 was removed from service July 2020 for transition to Queensland Police operations (Polair), replaced by VH-NVF,
703-965: The NSW Government released the Reform Plan for Aeromedical (Rotary Wing) Retrieval Services in NSW . Along with other reforms, two key issues impact the ongoing operations of the WLSHRS: In December 2014, it was announced that the partnership of the Northern Region SLSA and the Hunter Region SLSA had been successful in the NSW Aeromedical Retrieval Network tender. As a result, the service will re-equip with AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters from early 2017 to be operated from bases
740-576: The NSW Minister for Health, commissioned a strategic review of the NSW Ambulance Service, including its aeromedical operations. Ernst & Young were engaged to assist with the review; and delivered a final report with 56 recommendations that were released for public comment from December 2012 to mid March 2013. Following consideration of the 73 submissions received, and further consultation with clinical and aviation experts, in 2013
777-617: The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter provides an aerial surveillance service, which currently consists of Lifesaver 30 and Lifesaver 31 . The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter conducts regular patrols and undertakes rescue missions across Victoria. The service works closely with the volunteer beach patrols, paid lifeguards, and offshore services, and is readily available to assist other emergency services and government agencies. The service undertakes community education and promotional activities throughout
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#1732790249780814-490: The airfield was sold to Mirvac for $ 5.5 million in 2008. There were a number of attempts to restore the airport as an aviation facility following the withdrawal of Aeropelican, particularly with the closure and redevelopment of Cooranbong Airport , another privately owned airfield located to the west of Lake Macquarie. At the time of the 2008 sale, the Central Coast Aero Club was reported to have struck
851-435: The coastlines of New South Wales , Queensland , South Australia , Tasmania , Victoria and Western Australia . The helicopters are tasked to undertake a number of different missions: While the service operates under the umbrella name of Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, autonomous , yet affiliated, non-profit organisations deliver the service to meet the specific needs of local communities. Each organisation
888-426: The contract to CHC. Reporting in 2010, he found that: "...the contract process was satisfactory. Ambulance data show that the performance of CHC is meeting contract requirements with the exception of the availability of the Wollongong helicopter. [NSW] Ambulance [Service]'s ability to transport patients to the right hospital at the right time has improved. However the cost of the new Greater Sydney helicopter contract
925-734: The existing base in Tamworth as well as upgraded bases in Lismore and Newcastle The first of four AgustaWestland AW139 arrived at the Newcastle Westpac Rescue base on 10 June 2016. Lake Macquarie Airport Lake Macquarie Airport ( IATA : BEO , ICAO : YLMQ ) (formerly Belmont Airport – ICAO : YPEC ) is an airfield located in the Lake Macquarie suburb of Marks Point , 15 km (9.3 mi) south of Newcastle, New South Wales , Australia. The airport
962-675: The life, health and safety of people caused through medical emergency, illness, natural disaster, accidents or mishap. The naming rights sponsor of the helicopter services is Westpac , an Australian-based financial institution that also has operations in New Zealand . When contracted , the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters respond to medical emergencies throughout the most populous regions of Australia, covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometres of bushland, mountain ranges, highways as well as
999-459: The link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westpac_Rescue_Helicopter&oldid=933247743 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service
1036-521: The local accredited rescue units to access, assess, triage, and treat patients. When required, SCATs may also provide assistance with the extrication of the patient. They provide patient care and are responsible for preparing the aeromedical evacuation missions, coordinating with the flight crew and other medical personnel, as well as liaising with retrieval services. Doctors specially qualified in Emergency Care and retrieval medicine are also part of
1073-583: The outcome of the competitive tendering process is set out below: (December 2014 – present) Rescue Service The decision to appoint a for profit corporation to deliver the service, in lieu of not-profit entities, drew considerable media, community, and political attention. As a result, the NSW Auditor-General was instructed to deliver a performance audit of the helicopter emergency medical services contract process and whether satisfactory outcomes for Greater Sydney were delivered under awarding
1110-577: The pilot with communication; navigation; and landing by providing the pilot with accurate clearance; helicopter safety; and operating the rescue winch. A rescue crewman's duties include going down the winch, scaling cliff faces, and swimming. Rescue crew are also responsible for passenger safety during Passenger Transport Operations. Special Casualty Access Team (SCAT) paramedics possess skills in intensive care /Advance Life Support (ALS) and trauma management; and have skills in accessing and treating patients in difficult or remote locations. SCATs work closely with
1147-512: The purchasing consortium was formed. In July 2014, negotiations led by Airborne Windsports , Matt Hall Racing, Skyline Aviation Group, Anthony Penn Boucaut and a private investor concluded successfully, with airport upgrade works planned to commence immediately. Construction of a $ 5.5 million aeromedical base for use by New South Wales Ambulance and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service
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1184-601: The state. Reviews commissioned by NSW Ambulance during 2004 and 2005 identified a number of systemic weaknesses with the services provided by both the WLSHRS and by CareFlight , delivered under a mix of government funding, corporate sponsorship and fundraising. During 2006, a competitive tenders process commenced to provide helicopters in Greater Sydney, which covers the Sydney, Wollongong and Orange areas, as well as other locations across NSW. In December 2006, John Hatzistergos ,
1221-512: The summer months. It now operates two helicopters: Perth Metropolitan Service and South West Service. The Perth Metropolitan Service patrols from Mandurah to Yanchep and out to Rottnest Island. The Perth Service operates on weekends in September and daily from October to April. The South West Service started in 2013 at Busselton Regional Airport and patrols the areas between Bunbury and Hamelin Bay. It
1258-540: The team. This enables the crew to provide critical care to patients anywhere it is needed. The following aircraft, bases and coverage summarise the activities of the Service: Newcastle, Lismore, Tamworth are part of the Westpac operations but fall under the name Westpac Northern Region Rescue Helicopter service. They operate 24/7 using 4 AgustaWestland AW139 . The Sydney and South Coast operation replaced
1295-584: The year and will be available all hours for call-outs. Life Saving Victoria also works closely with the police air-wing and marine rescue units which enables the fastest response to emergency calls. In Tasmania , the Service provides emergency services and has a contract with Ambulance Tasmania as well as the Tasmanian Police . In South Australia , Service helicopters patrol beaches on weekends, public holidays and busy weekdays over summer from November through to March each year. Its patrolling region
1332-507: Was completed in 2017. Lake Macquarie City Council approved construction of a number of hangars (including office space and pilot's briefing rooms), as well as a two-storey terminal building with a cafe or restaurant in August 2018, although as of January 2022, little progress had been made on these works. Further planned improvements include extended taxiways, additional car parking and on-site accommodation for visiting pilots. The airfield has
1369-483: Was removed from service to be transitioned to operate as Polair , and was replaced by VH-SLQ. In late 2021 Surf Lifesaving Queensland took delivery of former PolAir 4 from NSW Police (VH-POF) for modernisation of the current QPS Polair fleet towards a Eurocopter EC135 P2 operation. NVG and SLQ are switched between Lifesaver 45 and Lifesaver 46 depending on operational requirements and engine hours. The Service formerly operated 3 MBB Bo 105s as Polair 1-3. In Victoria ,
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