Tasmanian EMS Rotary Wing Services Tender

[Stationair8]

The Weekend Australian has the tender request for, Supply of Tasmanian Emergency Air Services Rotary Wing(Helicopter) Services.

I was down in the Apple Isle as a spectator for some major speedway events in January.
Seem to a lot of media noise about sponsorship issues.
There was an article in The Mercury, about some issue with the government and Westpac over sponsorship of the local rescue chopper’s. That would be the same Westpac bank that sponsors rescue choppers for over forty years up and down the east coast of Australia.

Then a bit later in the week the long established EMS operator had taken a full page add in The Mercury.

Seem’s a bit strange to knock back sponsorship dollars?

[Rotor Work]

From Tasmania Premiers Office New helicopter agreement to enhance emergency helicopter services in TasmaniaThe Rockliff Liberal Government has welcomed a new funding agreement with Westpac Banking Corporation to enhance emergency helicopter services that provide life-saving care to the Tasmanian community.

The agreement is for an initial term of two years to 2026 and will enable the purchase of specialist equipment, training, and other service enhancing measures to ensure that the Tasmanian emergency helicopter services deliver world-class care.

Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, said that Westpac has sponsored the emergency helicopter service in Tasmania since 2000, supporting a vital emergency service that has performed more than 7,000 missions in Tasmania during that time.

“This is an absolutely vital service that provides timely and critical care to severely injured or unwell Tasmanians, supporting people in their greatest hour of need,’’ Minister Barnett said.

“I am pleased that our long-standing partnership with Westpac will continue in relation to the sponsorship of the emergency helicopter service. We value their support very highly.

“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service also provides important capability for Tasmania Police and has been deployed to save lives in a variety of challenging environments over many years.

“From last week, a new direct agreement has commenced between Westpac Banking Corporation and the Department of Health, through Ambulance Tasmania.

“This agreement will ensure a closer partnership with Westpac so that we can continue to strengthen our emergency helicopter services.”

Minister Barnett thanked the Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust for its stewardship of this vital service over the last 24 years.

Justin Caccavo, Regional General Manager, Tasmania at Westpac, also welcomed the agreement.

“Westpac has supported our incredible services across Australia for more than 50 years, including 24 years in Tasmania,” said Mr Caccavo.

“Our people are so proud of this partnership and the fact that our support has meant that no Tasmanian in the history of the service has paid to be rescued. Through this new agreement, we’re delighted that this will continue.”

[Rotor Work]

Not sure where the 24 years Westpac sponsorship comes from in Tasmania
Hookway Aviations AS 350 VH-SES had Westpac sponsorship back in the late 70’s

[helispotter]

Not sure where the 24 years Westpac sponsorship comes from in Tasmania
Hookway Aviations AS 350 VH-SES had Westpac sponsorship back in the late 70’s

AustaAirData shows VH-SES with the Westpac logos in a photo from Dec 1983 but later on, The Mercury seems to have become the major sponsor for the Rescue helicopter:

VH-SES 2
https://www.austairdata.com.au/component/rsdirectory/entry/view/32297:vh-ses-2

[Stationair8]

Noticed on the RotorLift website, they have teamed up with Toll for the tender process.

The state government is in caretaker mode, with a state election on the 23rd of March-could delay the tender process or awarding of the contract.

Wonder if the Jolly Roger has been out on the Derwent River for pleasant day of taking in the sea air?

[helispotter]

...Wonder if the Jolly Roger has been out on the Derwent River for pleasant day of taking in the sea air?

For the non-locals of us, is that the local nickname for the Tasmanian premier?