50th Anniversary of 'Westpac Lifesaver' Helicopter Rescue
Media reports this week made me aware of the 50th Anniversary of the 'Westpac Lifesaver' Helicopter Rescue Service. At the time of course the major sponsor was known as the Bank of New South Wales. The service commenced on 29 September 1973. I understand this was initially using an Airfast Bell 47G-3B-2, VH-CSW. It is reported that this is now the longest serving civilian based rescue helicopter service in the world. Well done.
Various items marking 50 years can be found by searching "Westpac Lifesaver" including a nice short compilation video of archival footage of VH-CSW, Bell 206B-2 VH-FHF, Bell 206A VH-UHC and the more modern helicopters to have served with the service:
https://www.westpac.com.au/help/community/rescue/rescue-helicopters/
Here is a nice ABC radio interview with Ian Baddam marking the occasion:
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/illawarra-mornings/westpac-50th/102917570