New five-year deal for mining to support Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service

Mining’s support for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service will stretch to just shy of 45 years under a new five-year sponsorship agreement valued at $500,000 with the NSW Minerals Council.

The mining industry has been supporting this vital service since the mid-1980s, and it is highly valued by tens of thousands of people living in mining communities across the Hunter and, more broadly, in communities across Northern NSW.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says the long-standing partnership grows stronger every year.

“We are very proud to continue our long-term sponsorship of this important community service which will see NSW Mining extend its partnership with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service all the way to 2029,” Mr Galilee said.

“Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service flight operations and engineering personnel are highly trained professionals providing the highest level of care to people in our community when they are most in need.

“Our industry’s support for this vital service has never wavered and we are tremendously grateful for the lifesaving work they do.”

The mining industry’s support for the Service includes contributions from individual mining companies, supplier businesses and mining-related unions, as well as from thousands of mining workers who make regular donations each week through their pay.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service CEO Steven Underwood said the Service was immensely grateful for the support of the NSW Minerals Council.

“Already, in 2024, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has undertaken more than 700 missions in support of the communities that we serve, delivering the clinical team to the patient at the point of need and ensuring that the patient is transported to where they will receive the most appropriate critical care. Our dedicated team would not be able to provide this vital aeromedical capability without the support of our valued partners like the NSW Minerals Council.

Mining is at the heart of so many regional communities covered by our Service and

the strong bond between the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the mining industry, a bond that has developed in true partnership over decades, is deeply valued and greatly appreciated indeed.” Mr Underwood said.

The new sponsorship agreement comes ahead of Mr Galilee’s participation in the Leaders Leap challenge, which will see him abseil down the face of McDonald Jones Stadium on 16 August to raise funds for the Service.

“I’ll admit abseiling down McDonald Jones Stadium is outside my usual comfort zone, but it’s nothing compared to the courageous work that the Service does every day,” Mr Galilee said.

NRL fans and mining families will also have the chance to get behind the Service again at the annual Voice for Mining Family Day on Sunday, 1 September, when the Newcastle Knights wear the hi-vis mining jersey against the Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium.