LifeFlight today named a road at its Sunshine Coast base, Des & Barbara Scanlan Drive in honour of Des and Barbara Scanlan. The tribute recognises the couple as founding members of the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, which launched in 1979 and became part of the LifeFlight organisation in 2013.
The Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service began with a single rescue helicopter operating beside the iconic Big Cow at Yandina, with “Big Cow” emblazoned on its tail. Over the following decades, the service grew through strong community support and made a lasting contribution to aeromedical care on the Sunshine Coast before joining LifeFlight Australia (formerly CareFlight Queensland) in 2013.
At a time when helicopter rescue capability in Queensland was still in its infancy, Des worked alongside fellow founders to establish the service. Together, Des and Barbara would become longstanding champions of the organisation and its mission to deliver lifesaving care to those in need.
LifeFlight Chief Executive Officer Ashley van de Velde said the recognition was a fitting tribute to two people whose legacy continues to be felt across the Sunshine Coast community and in aeromedical care today.
“Des and Barbara Scanlan were part of a remarkable group of community champions who believed the Sunshine Coast deserved access to a dedicated helicopter rescue service,” Mr van de Velde said.
“Des and Barbara were instrumental in helping establish the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service and remained steadfast advocates of the organisation and its mission.
“From operating beside the iconic Big Cow to becoming an enduring part of the Sunshine Coast’s aeromedical history, the service’s growth was made possible by the vision, generosity and commitment of people like Des and Barbara. LifeFlight is proud to honour that legacy and the community spirit behind it.”
“The naming of Des & Barbara Scanlan Drive recognises the lasting legacy of Des and Barbara, whose contribution helped strengthen rescue and aeromedical care for their community and continues to be honoured by LifeFlight today.”
The road naming ceremony brought together members of the Scanlan family, fellow founders of the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, community leaders, government representatives, LifeFlight patrons and Sunshine Coast-based crew members.
Today, LifeFlight crews continue to provide critical care across Queensland and beyond. So far in 2026, LifeFlight crews have helped over 550 people on the Sunshine Coast, carrying forward the life-saving legacy that Des and Barbara Scanlan helped establish through the community-led Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service more than 45 years ago.
