CEO of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Richard Jones OAM, is encouraging donations of any amount to ensure the service can continue providing a vital 24-7 emergency service for the people of Northern NSW.

"We love how proud our community is of their rescue helicopter. From the small regional towns to the busy central cities, we are constantly blown away by the outstanding support we continue to receive.

"Keeping the helicopters flying has always been a team community effort, in which every dollar donated ensures the Service can be there when and where it is needed," he said.

From January this year through to April, over 500 people have been assisted service wide by the Rescue Helicopter, with that number expected to nearly double throughout the upcoming months.

"This time of year has traditionally been a busy period for the service, and we expect 2019 to be no exception," said CEO Richard Jones.

In the 2018 calendar year the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crews flew over 2000 hours in the air to a great diversity of needs.

The service attended over 320 motor vehicle accidents, over 100 farming or rural incidents, flights for babies who were just moments old, responded to industrial scenes, ocean and inland rescues, winch extractions from tough terrain, road and mountain bikers, surfers, falls from heights, medical episodes and transferred over 600 people from a regional hospitals to the next level of care needed.

"The missions we get called to are diverse and every day is different, but no matter what the situation the community can be assured that our aircrew and medical team will provide the best possible treatment at the scene and continuing in flight on the way to the most appropriate emergency department," Mr Jones said.

Since 1975 the rescue helicopter has relied on community support and in 2019 the service's End of Financial Year Appeal is an important part of their annual fundraising program.

"Every dollar donated towards our Appeal will stay locally and will help us to continue saving lives," Mr Jones said.

"We are the community's own rescue helicopter and whilst the aircrew are on the front line of this service, their job is only made possible because of the generous people and businesses throughout Northern NSW. The service cannot thank our community enough for their ongoing support."

You can help save lives in your local community and reduce your tax bill by making a tax deductible donation before June 30.

To donate or for more information: visit www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/appeal or call 1800 155-155.

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