History
Narrative Summary
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service was founded in 1973 by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), a not-for-profit organisation. The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is the longest serving civil search and rescue helicopter service in the world. In 1973 the Bank of New South Wales, (popularly known as ‘the Wales’), became the corporate sponsor of the Rescue Helicopter service. The bank was renamed Westpac Banking Corporation in 1982 and this is reflected in the service now being known as the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service.
Key Dates
1973 | Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service first established. |
Current Status
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopters operate in a standard yellow and red colour scheme with LIFESAVER RESCUE titles on the fuselage and the local Surf Life Saving Association logo on the fin.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The helicopters carry Australian civil aircraft registrations, e.g. BK117 VH-NVG.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
To be added.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service, Surf Life Saving Australia, Rosebery, Sydney, NSW.
Organisational Structure
Although operating under the general title ‘Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service’, each service is actually delivered by an affiliated, non-profit organisation working to meet the specific needs of local communities. In most cases this organisation is the Surf Life Saving association for the relevant state.
Current Unit Assignments
Table of Current Unit Assignments
Historical Unit Assignments
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
Life Saving Victoria
NSW Greater Sydney
NSW Hunter & New England
NSW Northern Region
Surf Life Saving Queensland
Surf Life Saving South Australia
Surf Life Saving Western Australia
Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
See unit assignments.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
To be added
Websites
wikipedia: Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service
Westpac Life Saver Helicopter NSW
Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Northern Region
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters
Facebook: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters – Official Site NSW
Facebook: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter – Northern Region
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service WA
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter QLD
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service VIC
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Hunter Region