Coal Services has signed-up for a further five years as a Logo Rights Partner of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Coal Services spokesperson, Managing Director/CEO Lucy Flemming, said the industry-owned organisation, which provides a specialised health and safety scheme to its NSW employers and workers, understood the critical value the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service delivers.

“Coal Services’ purpose is to protect our workers in the industry but it goes far beyond that,” Lucy said.

“Our renewed agreement extends our long-term support for the Rescue Helicopter and embodies our commitment to give back to the industry, families and communities we operate in where safeguarding their health, well-being and welfare is paramount.”

The Service’s Chairman Cliff Marsh OAM applauded Coal Services and the region’s mining industry, describing their loyal support as important to the organisation’s history and crucial in helping to secure operations into the future.

“This partnership represents a wonderful synergy. The mining industry has been a stalwart of the Service from the start, including mining employees who generously contribute from their pay,” Cliff said.

Service General Manager, Richard Jones, said the renewed agreement with Coal Services is even more important as the Service prepares for growth and development. In 2017 it will become one of only two aeromedical providers in NSW to assist the people of northern NSW.

“As our Service expands during the next decade, so will our costs which include four new larger aircraft, new base premises and the upskilling and training of our pilots, crew and engineering teams,” Richard said.

“We’ll be delivering the very best aeromedical services in the country to the communities we serve and in turn, we need ongoing support now more than ever.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service will mark its 40th anniversary in December this year.

From humble beginnings undertaking beach patrols on weekends it now operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing specialised aeromedical services with highly experienced pilots and skilled crew, flight paramedics and doctors.

Image | Richard Jones (WRHS Service General Manager), Lucy Flemming (Managing Director/CEO Coal Services), Cliff Marsh OAM (WRHS Chairman) Belinda Ward (Marketing Manager Coal Services), Mark Goolmeer (WRHS pilot)