Lifesaving services flying high thanks to Council donation
Published on 05 July 2023
Rockhampton Regional Council is continuing its commitment to support two of the Region’s most critical lifesaving services, after announcing it will be reimbursing more than $158,000 in airport landing fees for RACQ CapRescue and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Mayor Tony Williams and Airport Councillor Neil Fisher presented a cheque at Rockhampton Airport today for $126,141.91 to RFDS and $32,662.21 to RACQ CapRescue.
“The RFDS and RACQ CapRescue are both vital not-for-profit organisations that have been servicing the Central Queensland community for many years, often providing lifelines to those living in rural and remote areas,” Mayor Williams said.
“This has been a long-standing tradition, and it’s one that we have continued for more than 20 years.
“It brings me great joy and pride that Council is once again able to help keep these critical services up in the air - a service I know our community is extremely grateful for.”
Airport Councillor Neil Fisher said the partnership between Rockhampton Airport and both the RFDS and RACQ CapRescue was highly valued by Council and the community.
“Looking after the community is always a number one priority and by reimbursing 100% of landing fees in the past financial year, we are contributing to keeping these critical services in the air and saving more lives as a result,” Councillor Fisher said.
“We are very lucky to have built great relationships with RACQ CapRescue and RFDS, and we hope to continue this tradition for many years to come.”
RACQ CapRescue Executive Director Mark Fewtrell said that since the beginning of 2023, the RACQ CapRescue average daily task has been on the rise.
“Our lifesaving service cannot continue without the support of our community," Mr Fewtrell said.
“We thank the Rockhampton Regional Council for their continued investment in the safety of Central Queenslanders."
Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said the generous reimbursement of the airport landing fees is a significant contribution.
“Rockhampton Regional Council continues to be a fantastic supporter of the work the RFDS does across regional and remote parts of Queensland,” Ms Staib said.
“We fly more than 2,000 patients in and out of Rockhampton every year and with the strong growth being experienced across Central Queensland, we expect those numbers to increase in the coming years.
“I’d like to thank Mayor Tony Williams, Airport Councillor Neil Fisher, and the entire Council team for enabling the RFDS to continue to provide the finest care to the furthest corner.”
Pictured L-R: RFDS Base Support Manager Trish Short, Airport Councillor Neil Fisher, RFDS Aircrew Officer Nick Coleman Hicks, RFDS Nurse Manager Claire Hilder, RACQ CapRescue Rescue Crew Officer Ty Jackson, RACQ CapRescue Communications and Engagement Officer Kim Walters and Mayor Tony Williams.