Since 1998, ‘Charlie’ has been a familiar sight across the region.
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The SnowyHydro SouthCare helicopter has flown to nearly 7000 people in dire need of medical assistance.
The service has proved so important to the national capital and nearby districts that the ACT and NSW governments have committed to fully fund operations without reliance on community fundraising.
On April 2, the new era will begin with the arrival of a new, purpose-built AW139 helicopter, one of eight that will respond to missions across southern NSW, operating from Bankstown, Wollongong, Canberra and Orange.
Southcare Trust chief executive Carol Bennett said the chopper would continue on life-saving operations and major medical procedures.
She said it would assist ACT Ambulance helicopter doctors to reach patients in remote areas faster than before, with a greater range, night vision technology and a larger working space.
The new contract will mark the end of the SnowyHydro SouthCare partnership, and its fundraising events, which delivered more than $7 million in fundraising.
ACT Emergency Services commissioner Dominic Lane welcomed the government's significant investment into the new helicopter.
"I think the key point is the new helicopter, because it is faster, more powerful and more reliable – as well as having traditional capabilities – means we can do a much better job of supporting our regional community and those people who need it the most," he said.
