Westpac Headed To Scone – For Fundraiser

By Taylah Fellows

THE Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is coming to town on Saturday, August 10 for a fundraiser dinner at the Sporties Club. 

Attendees can share a meal and swap stories with Westpac chief executive officer Richard Jones and veteran aircrew officer Graham Nickisson, who are looking forward to returning to Scone for the fundraiser.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Scone Support Group have organised the event to raise funds for the rescue service that has remained free since 1975. 

Richard Jones said he is excited to return to Scone with Graham Nickisson to catch up with old friends.

“I love scone I think its a wonderful town,” said Mr Jones.

“I have a lot of good friends in Scone and I have a brother up in Wingen so I’ve got quite a good history with the Upper Hunter,” he said.

“Graham’s one of our longest serving employees, serving for 38 years in the front left-hand seat of the helicopter. Hes highly regarded as one of the best air crewman in the country,” he said. 

Richard credits the Scone community for placing their trust in the Service for more than 44 years.

“It’s an organisation owned by the community,” he said.

“We’re not owned by government or Westpac, we are trustees of the community’s money and we take that obligation very seriously…we’ve got to make sure that every dollar that is given to us is spent wisely,” he said. 

Mr Jones said the $42 million charity organisation relies on the generosity of the community.

“As health services retract from the bush, transport then becomes such an important component of the health system…a little bit from a lot of people makes a big difference,”said Mr Jones.

“I always take my hat off to first respondents who, in rural settings, are always there even before the police and ambulance, ” he said. 

Margie Cooper and Errol Bates supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Support Group Chairperson, Errol Bates and his wife Beryl who is the Assistant Secretary and Publicity officer said their group raised more than $300,000 since 2010.

“Hardly a day goes by without the helicopter needing to transport someone to the hospital, so were very passionate about keeping it in the air and keeping it a free service,” said Mrs Bates.

“Richard Jones and Graham Nickisson are perfect people to come and talk to the community,” she said. 

“I know there are people in Scone that have been on board with Nickisson and it will be nice to hear from him,” she said.  

The rescue helicopter is well-known for its commitment to servicing rural areas, sometimes being the difference between life and death.

“Every family at some time or in some way is affected and has needed the helicopter so were just happy to work so that it is there for people when they need it, every dollar we raise adds up,” said Mrs Bates.

Richard Jones said people like Errol and Beryl were the reason the Service can stay in the air.

“Part of my job is to thank people like Beryl and Errol and the other wonderful volunteers,” he said. 

“They are the lifeblood of what we do, they are our eyes and our ears and they make a huge difference so were very thankful,” Mr Jones said.

• When: 6pm for 6:30pm start, Saturday, August 10.
• Where: Scone Sporties Club, Aberdeen Street, Scone.
• Tickets: $55 per person or $440 for table of 8.
• Bookings: Tickets available at Hunt a Book Bookstore, 200 Kelly Street, Scone or online at www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/events . Bookings close Wednesday, August 7.
• Further information: 02 4952 0000.