The LifeFlight Jocelyn Walker Visitor Experience and Education Centre has opened its doors on the Sunshine Coast, giving the community a rare behind-the-scenes look at the organisation’s lifesaving work.
The centre was officially opened on Thursday (25 June) by LifeFlight Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, LifeFlight Vice Patron Jocelyn Walker AM, Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, and LifeFlight Foundation Chair and Chief Medical Officer Dr Allan MacKillop.
The evening also featured the unveiling of a bronze plaque recognising LifeFlight’s founders: Rod Forrester, Roy Thompson, Jim Campbell, Bill Freeman, Hayden Kenny OAM and Karyn Moffatt on behalf of the late Don Moffatt.
Now open to the public, the centre offers visitors an immersive insight into LifeFlight’s emergency response operations.
In a high-stakes rescue scenario, visitors follow a mission from the first emergency call through to patient care, with interactive simulations reflecting the real-world pressure faced by LifeFlight crews.
Younger visitors can design, colour and launch their own aircraft on an interactive projection wall and write messages for the crew.
A dedicated viewing area offers a rare glimpse into LifeFlight’s hangar, where visitors can watch aircraft between missions and hear from the crew through inspiring videos featuring medical, aviation and ground teams.
Guests can also learn about First Minutes Matter, LifeFlight’s free community trauma training program.
LifeFlight Vice Patron Jocelyn Walker, a long-standing advocate and significant philanthropic supporter of the organisation, said it was gratifying to see the centre come to life.
“This centre is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary work LifeFlight delivers for communities across the Sunshine Coast and South Burnett,” Ms Walker said.
“I am proud to support a space where the community can gain a deeper understanding of LifeFlight and the vital role it plays.
“I feel honoured to have the centre carry my name knowing it creates a legacy for future generations.”
LifeFlight Sunshine Coast and South Burnett Regional Advisory Committee Chair Tarlia Carpenter said the opening of the centre marked a significant milestone for LifeFlight on the Sunshine Coast.
“The centre reflects the dedication and vision of many in our community who worked tirelessly to bring it to life,” Ms Carpenter said.
“It provides a space that can showcase the history, culture, and people who help make LifeFlight possible.
“It highlights the vital work of our LifeFlight crews and allows the community to gain a better understanding of this lifesaving work and how they can get involved through our volunteer and educational programs.
“Our aim is that the centre will both educate and inspire visitors to see what is possible when community works together.”
The centre includes an Acknowledgement of Country artwork created by LifeFlight patient Yarren, who is a Kamilaroi and Euahlayi First Nations boy. He lives on the Sunshine Coast and was rescued there.
The LifeFlight Jocelyn Walker Visitor Experience and Education Centre at the Sunshine Coast Airport is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm with free admission.
For guided tours or more information, email sunshinecoastvx@lifeflight.org.au.
Want to get involved as a LifeFlight volunteer? Visit www.lifeflight.org.au/volunteer to learn more.
