- RAC wins naming rights of Western
Australia's emergency rescue helicopters
- Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service
has flown more than 10,000 missions since 2003
- RAC continues its valued role as
sponsor which has spanned more than 20 years
The Cook Government has welcomed RAC
continuing its long-standing sponsorship agreement with the State's emergency rescue
helicopters.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen
Dawson said RAC won the contract for the exclusive naming rights - an
arrangement that the RAC has held since shortly after the Emergency Rescue Helicopter
Service was established in 2003.
Funded by the State Government and
managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), the emergency
rescue helicopters respond to calls for help 24 hours a day, every day of the
year.
Under the contract arrangements the
RAC will continue to work closely with DFES to showcase the lifesaving work of
the rescue helicopters and crew.
The helicopter service is
undergoing a major upgrade with the Cook Government investing $26.7 million to
provide new helicopters.
The introduction of three
next-generation Leonardo AW139 rescue helicopters will see the fleet operate
over 334,000 square kilometres, covering more than 90 per cent of the State's
population.
For more information about DFES'
aerial fleet and the rescue helicopters visit dfes.wa.gov.au/racrescue.
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The RAC has become synonymous with supporting our emergency
helicopter rescue service over nearly 21 years and the Cook Government welcomes
their ongoing valuable partnership in delivering this life-saving operation.
"As a community minded organisation, the RAC's vision of
improving safety for all Western Australians closely aligns with our
Government's focus and the operations and programs carried out by DFES.
"Our helicopter service operates across the State and has
flown more than 10,000 missions saving people from road crashes, outdoor activities
and even rescuing sick and injured sailors off ships.
"On behalf of all Western Australians I would like to take
the opportunity to thank our helicopter rescue team for the incredible job they
do and the RAC for their continued sponsorship and commitment to helping to
safeguard Western Australians."
Comments attributed to RAC Group
Chief Executive Officer Rob Slocombe:
"RAC is proud to continue
its 20-year partnership with DFES.
"As a purpose-led member
organisation, our support of the emergency rescue helicopters represents much
more than a sponsorship. It's something that connects our purpose and heritage.
"With the majority of their
tasks in response to road crashes and the many thousands of missions the
service has undertaken since RAC's sponsorship began, our strong partnership
with DFES sits at the heart of what we stand for as an organisation.
"This critical
life-saving service is a key part of our commitment to road safety in Western
Australia."
