IF there’s one town in the Upper Hunter who appreciates the efforts of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS), it’s Scone.
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And, this month, the community has an opportunity to repay its gratitude.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Scone Support Group will host an evening with WRHS CEO Richard Jones at the Scone Sporties Club on Saturday, April 29, from 6.30pm.
Popular bush poet Murray Hartin is also scheduled to make a guest appearance.
Mr Jones said he was looking forward to the function.
“Scone is a wonderful town,” he admitted.
“The residents are very supportive of what we do.
“I’ll give an overview of what’s happening in the service, talk about the latest AW139 helicopters, as well as the new bases at Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore, and an update on what the community can expect from WRHS in the future.
“I’d rather be up there socially, instead of working.
“There seems to have been a lot of quad bike, farming, horse-riding and motorbike accidents in the region over the past 12 months.”
The Scone Support Group first formed in 2010 and, since then, has grown to include about 30 volunteer members, including some people who have had personal experiences with the life saving service.
“We couldn’t do without them [the Scone Support Group],” Mr Jones explained.
“Our motto is ‘no-one will ever pay with the WRHS’.
“But, you never know where or when people need us.
“That’s why the volunteer network, such as Scone, is vital to our cause.”
Tickets – $55 per person, which includes a two-course meal and donation to the service, are available from Westpac, located at 170 Kelly Street.