The committee met for the first time in Mount Isa today and set their sights on some exciting aspirations for the vital helicopter service, which performed a record 49 lifesaving missions in the last financial year.
Members of LifeFlight’s North West Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) will work towards a long-term goal of upgrading the local service to a larger helicopter, which includes a more advanced medical platform that would enable even further integration with the Royal Flying Doctors Service (Queensland Section) medical services.
Boosting awareness of the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew’s work in the region and continuing to strengthen relationships with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and RFDS, are among the other high priorities.
The LifeFlight RAC will also be the driving force behind fundraising opportunities in the region.
Led by former Mt Isa Mayor Hon. Tony McGrady AM, the Regional Advisory Committee includes the Cloncurry and Richmond mayors, as well as representatives from QAS, Mount Isa Rotary, Glencore and Bell and Moir Autos.
Member for Traeger Robbie Katter is continuing his strong support of LifeFlight, taking up the position of patron.
LifeFlight Board Deputy Chairman (Non-Executive) Hon. Jim Elder said RACs in other parts of Queensland have been very successful in building on LifeFlight’s strong connections with communities, providing the service with community input and raising funds in local areas.
“I’m looking forward to the successes that will come with having a group of community leaders working together,” he said.
“I’m very happy that the Hon. Tony McGrady and MP Robbie Katter MLA have accepted important roles with the committee.”
Hon. Tony McGrady said he was delighted with the results of the first meeting.
“The calibre of people that sat around the table were very impressive. They came from a wide range of callings,” he said.
“The reason I personally wanted to become involved is that there has to be a realisation that the wealth of our state rests with people that live in remote parts and in times of need LifeFlight is there.”
LifeFlight’s Director of Community Development Leanne Angel said the group made a strong commitment to come together early next year, to work further on a strategy.
“There was a lot of real interest in the room, as well as a lot of great questions about the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue service in Mount Isa.”
