The Northern Rivers Times
May 19, 2022
2 NEWS
Rescue service calls for help as appeal launches The region’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is launching its annual End of Financial Year (EOFY) Appeal and none could be more critical given the impact that the recent Lismore Service’s operations with water inundating the Lismore Base at the peak Such was the extent of the damage, it is anticipated that the Service will continue to operate from a temporary facility at the Ballina Airport for 3-5 more months as repair and rebuild is undertaken. Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service CEO Richard Jones OAM remarked ‘Despite the challenges, our crews, in partnership with medical teams from NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, performed over 50 missions during
disaster started, it has never been so humbling to know that the donation support we receive allows us to respond in such desperate times.” The Service also suffered the loss of its Helicopter Op Shop in the Lismore CBD, a valuable fundraising vehicle for the Service,
emergency’. “I would also like to say to all residents of the Northern Rivers that the hearts and minds of our staff, and I hope you are in the process of a positive recovery.” On the morning of the departed the Lismore Base and could see their own vehicles, the Base itself and the surrounding community succumbing to the rising waters. It was less than 500m from their Base place, beginning one of the busiest weeks in the Service’s history. Nathan Scard, Lismore Base Manager and Pilot was on Base as the disaster unfolded. “It is hard to put it into words just how overwhelming the sight of seeing that much
water coming up from all directions was for everyone on shift at the time. It hit home very quickly just how much trouble the town and region was going to be in once the team was airborne. “Our thoughts quickly turned to the situation at hand and the challenge
of relocating our operations to Ballina to enable us to continue to respond to the numerous tasking requests that were coming in. “Being on the front line, side by side with our community, and the many emergency service personnel who have worked so hard since the
the shop, going past the height of the ceiling and into the roof cavity. Mr Jones commented: “The shop was operated entirely by volunteers, and we hope that one premises to open again.” Donations to the Appeal will remain local at one of the Service’s three Bases in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore, which service close to 2 million residents in the Northern half of NSW in communities north of the Hawkesbury through to
the Queensland border and throughout the New England North West. Since March 2020, the Service has responded from its bases in Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore to almost 3,000 calls for help and in every instance, they have needed to take extra precautions to care for patients and their aircraft crews due to the ever-lingering presence of COVID. “It has been an unbelievable period for so many people who live throughout the regions that our bases serve and support,” said Mr Jones. “As a local charity, I would also like to say a special thank you in advance to those who are able to help us once again with a donation, large or small, during our appeal.”
$360,000 available for community events Community groups or people who have an idea for an event in the Byron Shire, are encouraged to apply now for a share of $360,000 which is available as part of the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program. The aim of the funding is to support communities and businesses in the
recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic. For events to eligible for funding they must be: • Open to the public • Free to attend or a small fee • Designed to reconnect communities • Be held before 23 March 2023. Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said this for local event
organisers. “The Byron Shire is well known for its wide range of events and COVID-19 hit hard in a lot of different ways, including shutting down many festivals, fetes, concerts and public gatherings which were normally a part of the social fabric of our community,” Cr Lyon said. “To have this funding
available is the perfect opportunity to reinvigorate the events’ calendar in our Shire and see everyone in our community brought together again to celebrate our spirit and connection. “In the wake of the for us to acknowledge the tremendous spirit, resilience, love and connection in our
community.” Examples of eligible events include: • Community markets • Festivals and fairs • Sporting events • Food and leisure events • Recovery events • Community classes and workshops • Theatre programs • Community public holiday events (e.g.
ANZAC Day, Australia Day) Applications must show how the event will rebuild community cohesion, deliver positive social outcomes and support local businesses. Applications close on Friday 27 May. Information about the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program is on Council’s website.
