Westpac’s commitment to communities across Queensland was further demonstrated today with a $34,500 donation to the iconic Queensland Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service (QLHRS).
The donation was secured thanks to Westpac’s milestone partnership with the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) which sees the bank donate $500 to the Service for every Queensland Reds Super Rugby Pacific and Super W try scored in 2022.
The teams scored a combined 69 tries this season, ensuring they entertained on the field while contributing to keeping Queensland communities safe.
The cheque was presented to the crew at Canterbury College in Logan, following a special landing by the Service. The College was hosting the annual Logan Q7s Tournament which sees more than 100 schools take part with 15,000 participants state-wide.
Westpac Regional General Manager, Brisbane, Cara Jones, hailed a successful first year of partnership. “When we partner with an organisation there needs to be a benefit to the wider community. That’s certainly the case here - when the Reds men’s and women’s teams score on the field, Queenslanders benefit off it. We’re delighted make this donation as a result.
“Partnering with Queensland Rugby Union has helped us be active in even more communities in Brisbane and across the state to offer support, whether that’s through our $100,000 Westpac Footy Grants program or financial literacy workshops for community sports clubs. We couldn’t have asked for a better first year."
QRU CEO David Hanham said: "We're proud to partner with an organisation like Westpac who have the same commitment to supporting Queensland communities.
"We're honoured our Queensland Reds teams could contribute and assist to the wonderful work the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service does across our great state.
"This is a fantastic donation to an essential service which will see all Queenslanders and their communities continue to be kept safe."
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service Queensland, General Manager of Aviation, Ken Clark said: “The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service is a vital yet expensive operation to run.
"For example, it costs approximately $38,000 to train an aircrew-person and the flight crew helmet alone is $4,500.
"As such, this $34,500 donation from Westpac will assist us to purchase vital lifesaving equipment, train our crew and, most importantly, continue to save lives.”
The donation will help keep even more Queenslanders safe. In the 2021/22 season the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service played a vital role in Queensland, patrolling for over 470 hours at more than 10,000 beaches, undertaking 70+ missions, 43 searches and directly supporting the rescue of 28 people (Source: Surf Life Saving Queensland).
