The Westpac Rescue Helicopter is thrilled to announce that Yancoal have signed a three year agreement to support the vital emergency service throughout Northern NSW.

The Service operates 24-7 from three bases in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore and is here for 1.5 million people throughout Northern NSW.

In 2017 Yancoal purchased Hunter Valley mines from Rio Tinto (Coal & Allied) who had held a long standing partnership with the Rescue Helicopter for in excess of 15 years. Yancoal has agreed to extend this partnership and to increase its financial commitment in support of the Service.

The support from Yancoal is also received from its employees, who generously contribute through payroll deduction.

Yancoal’s logo will sit proudly on both sides of the four (4) AW139 Westpac Rescue Helicopters and will be represented throughout the corporate stationary and official website of the Service. Other prominent sponsors include NSW Mining, Glencore, BHP Billiton, CFMEU, Caltex, Coal Services and NBN News.

Chief Executive Officer of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Richard Jones OAM says the Service is extremely grateful for the extension of the partnership.

"The Service regularly responds to a diverse range of missions throughout Northern NSW and this would not be possible without the continued support from generous corporate partners such as Yancoal and their employees."

"The Mining community have always been there to support the Rescue Helicopter and we will be there for them in their time of need."

"The partnership with Yancoal will make a significant impact on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, ensuring that the Service is ready to respond 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, " Mr Jones said.

Yancoal Australia Chief Executive Officer Reinhold Schmidt celebrated the partnership with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

"We consider it a privilege to operate in the Hunter Valley and this donation reflects our desire to give back to the communities who create such a terrific environment to live, work and play.

"The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service plays a critical role in providing safety and support to locals in need and we are very proud to support this great service," Mr Schmidt said.