Westpac extends lifesaving helicopter sponsorship in Tasmania

Westpac’s sponsorship of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Tasmania has been extended for a further two years.

Westpac has supported emergency helicopter services in Tasmania for more than 25 years with sponsorship funds directed towards service enhancing initiatives.

Initiatives delivered with this support include specialist rescue equipment, personal protective equipment for aircrew, and advanced training to ensure the service remains world-class.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is used to treat and transport critically unwell or injured patients from accident scenes, transfer patients between health facilities, and supports search and rescue operations and law enforcement across the State.

The service is provided by both Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police, with StarFlight Australia contracted as the aviation operator from January this year.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said for more than 25 years, Westpac has been a strong and enduring supporter of Tasmania’s emergency helicopter service.

“I want to acknowledge Westpac’s long standing commitment to the Tasmanian community,” Minister Archer said.

“The continuation of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania name reflects both that legacy of support and our shared commitment to delivering world class emergency response capability for Tasmania.

“These helicopters are a critical part of our health system. They allow highly skilled clinicians to reach patients quickly, provide lifesaving care at the scene, and transport people to the right hospital when every minute counts.

“On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I’m pleased to confirm the renewal of this partnership for another two years and thank Westpac for their ongoing collaboration.”

Westpac Regional General Manager Tasmania, Justin Caccavo, said Westpac is proud to contribute to initiatives that strengthen the service’s capability for Tasmanians.

“Our long standing support of Westpac rescue helicopter services around Australia is about helping the crew do their job safely and effectively, whether that’s specialist rescue equipment, operational support or advanced training,” Mr Caccavo said.

“The capability of this Service is significant – over the last year alone the Service flew close to 1,000 missions, reaching people in remote and difficult conditions when help is needed quickly.

“We’re grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmania Police and all partners involved in keeping Tasmanians safe. It’s a privilege for Westpac to play a part in supporting a world class emergency response capability for Tasmania.”