Council makes 30-year commitment to CareFlight

Sunshine Coast Council has pledged its support for CareFlight rescue for the next three decades, waiving tens of thousands of dollars in airport fees and charges each year for the not-for-profit service.

The donation follows 36 years of Council support for the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, now known as RACQ CareFlight Rescue, and was announced at a special ceremony at Sunshine Coast Airport today.

In 2015-16 alone, the saving for CareFlight will be $75,000.

“We are delighted to be able to donate to such a worthy local community cause,” Mayor Mark Jamieson said.

“This is a community investment by Council to ensure this iconic, lifesaving operation is on hand 24 hours a day seven days a week when residents and visitors need it most.

“It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.”

Deputy Chairman of CareFlight and former Chairman of the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service Don Moffatt described Council’s support as “exceptional and deeply appreciated”.

“It’s incredible to think that this will see the Sunshine Coast Council’s commitment to its local rescue helicopter service span 65 years,” Mr Moffatt said.

“The service was founded back in 1979 and this donation will run until 2045 –servicing the region for generations to come.”

For Michelle Bloomer and her son Bailey, who received a lifesaving airlift to Brisbane from Nambour after contracting meningitis, this is an important decision.

“Bailey would never have made it by road, he needed to get there quicker than one hour – the chopper only takes 22 minutes,” Michelle said.

“They said while it was his only chance, he may not survive the flight.”

The family drove to hospital, wanting but dreading a phone call from the helicopter crew.

“They were great. They rang us as soon as they landed to say that he’s okay.”

Bailey was to spend a month and celebrate his fifth birthday in a hospital bed.

Four years on from his illness and Bailey’s health and life continue to blossom.

The well-mannered, conscientious student is now in grade three and hasn’t forgotten his lifesaving trip in the helicopter with the doctor and crew.

“I remember that it was very loud,” Bailey said.

“They helped me. They held my hand.”

By waiving the airport fees and charges Sunshine Coast Council allows CareFlight to plough those funds back into the local community service.

Council’s contribution in the soon-to-end financial year also included a $25,000 grant to cover fuel costs and $2000 for a collapsible rescue basket.

“The Sunshine Coast Council has been there for us since 1985, is with us now, and is supporting lifesaving rescues into the future – it doesn’t get much better than that,” Don Moffatt said.

Pic: Mayor Mark Jamieson with Bailey Teed in the CareFlight helicopter at Sunshine Coast Airport