The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) has confirmed the new date for the 10th Anniversary Byron Coastal Charity Walk – Saturday April 29, 2023.
The iconic North Coast event had been scheduled to take place on April 30 of this year, however the recent flooding in the Northern Rivers region resulted in the postponement to 2023.
“The communities of Northern NSW have shown their generosity of spirit and support for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter for nearly 40 years,” said WRHS CEO Richard Jones OAM.
“This natural disaster and ongoing flood crisis in the region, it seems right to show our support to these communities and postpone the event. This will hopefully give businesses and families a chance to rebuild, and then look forward to a fun event in 2023. ” said Mr Jones.
WRHS Community Fundraising Coordinator Michelle Nelson said there were a number of considerations in moving the event into 2023.
“We consulted with local stakeholders, and so many of our participants and suppliers are in impacted communities and still feeling the devastation of the flood aftermath. Now is a time for recovery and postponing to the event by 12 months felt like to right thing to do.”
The walk has become a standout of the local community calendar and drawing tourists from across NSW and Queensland. Participants walk in a group or individually along the stunning Byron coastline in either the 12km to Broken Head Reserve, 24km to Lennox SLSC or the full 36km to Ballina SLSC events.
All money raised from the day supports the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
About the Service:
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was established in 1975 and through community support and fundraising it has become a critical service that operates four AW139 helicopters from three bases in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore.
The Service, in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, delivers aeromedical search, rescue and inter-hospital transfers to care for communities from north of the Hawkesbury River, through to the Queensland border and throughout the New England North West.
Along with the Pilot and Aircrew Officer, every primary response mission launches with a dedicated NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic, NSW Health Doctor and depending on the needs of each patient the team may include specialist nursing professionals.
The Community, Business Partners and the NSW Government through NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, provide the funds to ensure the Westpac Rescue Helicopter continues to save lives across Northern NSW.