Topical 28/8/25

On Monday, August 25, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service celebrated 25 years of continuous aeromedical operations across the New England North West. The service officially launched in August 2000 with a single-engine Bell 407 helicopter, operated from hangar space provided by BAE Systems in Tamworth and from the outset, the service has been strongly supported by local volunteers and regional business from towns across the region. In 2007, the original Bell 407 aircraft was retired, and the service transitioned to twin-engine BK117 helicopters, with further fleet upgrades in 2012. A major boost for the region occurred in 2017 as part of a statewide integration of services under an initial 10-year contract with NSW Ambulance. A modern base was built to support the arrival of the highly capable AW139 emergency medical services helicopter. Today, the Tamworth Base is an integral part of the broader health network and, in partnership with NSW Health and NSW Ambulance, provides critical care.