The Bundaberg community went above and beyond at the second annual Soiree in the Hangar on Saturday night, with the sell-out event raising a record-breaking $106,744.
The funds raised will help expand LifeFlight’s First Minutes Matter (FMM) across the Wide Bay-Burnett region and beyond, with more workshops and a community-funded regional medical educator.
Around 250 guests stepped into the LifeFlight hangar for a night of dancing, dining, inspirational patient stories and community connections.
Attendees had the chance to win one of three ultimate holidays which included an island getaway to Kingfisher Bay Resort on K’gari – a place which is all too familiar to the Bundy crew.
Wide Bay-Burnett Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) chair Neil McPhillips, thanked the community for supporting FMM in the region.
“The Wide Bay-Burnett communities have once again outdone themselves with their generosity and support for LifeFlight,” he said.
“It’s clear how much our communities care about LifeFlight and we are fortunate to have such passionate people rallying behind us.
“The funds will go towards supporting LifeFlight’s free trauma training workshops in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.”
Mr McPhillips said the workshops strengthened community resilience for when the unexpected happened.
“This resource is one of LifeFlight’s ways of giving back to the community and empowering those around us, and I encourage you all to get involved.
“It is thanks to our supporting partner, sponsors and wonderful attendees who made this event the success it is tonight.”
The silent auction had outdoor fanatics and adrenaline seekers spoilt for choice, with camping equipment, car accessories and family fun experiences up for grabs.
Those seeking creature comforts went home with pampering packs, local coffee and a family photoshoot voucher.
For the live auction, the Arnold Family donated 5kg of prawns and a box of half shelled scallops, courtesy of CP Jane Trawler.
The Arnold’s have a personal connection to LifeFlight after their son Bentley required medical treatment last year after a motocross accident.
A LifeFlight decommissioned helmet signed by the Bundaberg crew was a hot commodity on the night with one lucky guest taking home the heroic headgear.
The night’s Balloon Pop gave attendees a 1 in 100 chance of scoring a Warner’s Fine Jewellery ring.
Bundaberg local and LifeFlight ambassador Dale Rethamel was the lucky winner of an 18ct green gemstone and diamond white gold ring valued at $13,250.
In true community spirit, Mr Rethamel donated the dazzling piece of jewellery back to LifeFlight where it was auctioned off later in the night for $8,250.
Guests heard from Bundaberg-based LifeFlight aircrew officer Chris Finch and his remarkable rescue story that put him on the path to give back to the organisation who saved him a decade ago.
Mr Finch shared his experience with LifeFlight, then known as CareFlight, when a hike up Table Top Mountain in 2015 took an unexpected turn that took the life of his beloved golden retriever Bentley.
He fell 10 metres down a cliff trying to help his furry friend and had to be rescue-winched into the Toowoomba-based helicopter due to his injuries.
Mr Finch encouraged attendees to get involved in First Minutes Matter to learn life-saving skills for when a medical emergency strikes.
“First Minutes Matter is LifeFlight’s commitment to the community,” he said.
“It’s not just LifeFlight who need to be ready for anything, its everyday people taking their kids to school, visiting a grandparent at home or taking a walk at the Bundy Riverside Parklands.”
Past patient Emilie Goodwin and her mum Amanda Ball were also in attendance.
LifeFlight airlifted Emilie to hospital in 2024 after Amanda found her unconscious from a brain bleed in their family home.
Not only were past patients celebrated, but also one of LifeFlight’s past volunteers.
Former Wide Bay-Burnett RAC member Scott Rowe was acknowledged as an inductee into the Wings of LifeFlight, an ambassador program that honours individuals for their significant contributions to LifeFlight.
Mr Rowe was a RAC member for four years and greatly contributed to LifeFlight’s initiatives in the region.
First Minutes Matter teaches participants practical life-saving skills to help in an emergency. Attendees learn how to treat snake bites, bleeds, burns and more.
To find out more about First Minutes Matter, visit firstminutesmatter.org.au.
Chris Finch’s remarkable story is featured as part of LifeFlight’s Tax Appeal.
To donate, visit LifeFlight.org.au/tax-appeal.
LifeFlight would like to thank the following supporters and sponsors:
Presenting Partner: RealWay Property Consultants.
Gold Sponsors: Black Lab Finance, Cabinet Corrections and Bishopp Outdoor Advertising.
Silver Sponsors: LCB Civil Pty Ltd, Ballantine Law and World Gym Bundaberg.
Bronze Sponsors: Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers.
Entertainment Sponsor: Apexx Engineering Consultants.
Catering and Drink Service: The Waves Sports Club.
Live Music: Spargo Brothers.
Major Prizes: Warner’s Fine Jewellery, The Arnold Family
