A $500,000 federal grant to the Snowy Hydro SouthCare facility promises to improve the provision of trauma, emergency and medical services for residents of the Australian Capital Territory and South Eastern New South Wales.
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The Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories, Catherine King, made the announcement today at the Snowy Hydro SouthCare site in the ACT, alongside Federal Members Gai Brodtmann and Mike Kelly.
Federal Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann said the funding will provide for the construction of a training and administration centre next to the organisation’s current helicopter base in the ACT, allowing for the colocation of its operations base and helicopter pad.
“Combining the centre’s administrative and operational bases will deliver faster, more effective services to the ACT region and communities, as well as increase the capacity for public interaction with its famous helicopter. This is an important aspect of raising the organisation’s public profile and funding,” Ms Brodtmann said.
Snowy Hydro SouthCare is the primary Aero Medical and Rescue Helicopter service in the region and has completed more than 5000 missions since it was established in 1998.
Member for Eden-Monaro Dr Mike Kelly said the service had become iconic in the community and was vital in ensuring those in remote and regional areas received the best possible medical care.
“The Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter has become an integral part of our trauma and emergency service over the past 15 years, and its dedicated pilots, paramedics and staff give locals the assurance they need that emergency medical help is at hand,” Dr Kelly said.
Chair of Regional Development Australia ACT Craig Sloan thanked the Minister for supporting this valuable project and noted the high value critical service that Snowy Hydro Southcare provides, and has been providing for some time, to the broader region.
"The integration of the administration and operational base will provide a more efficient and effective service, helping the Snowy Hydro Heath Care to be more responsive. We see this project very much as the greater region working together for maximum benefit,” Mr Sloan said.
Minister King congratulated SouthCare Helicopter Fund Pty Ltd on its successful Regional Development Australia Fund proposal.
“The Australian Government recognises the importance of strong, sustainable regional towns and communities and believes that every Australian, no matter where they live should have access to high-quality education, health services and employment opportunities,” Ms King said.
