22 October 2025

Another lifesaver in the sky

Published Oct 15 by @The Coalface

Every single year, businesses, organisations, community groups, schools and individuals band together to raise over $6 million to keep the BMA CQ Rescue in the sky. It is only through this support that BMA CQ Rescue can be ready when it’s needed – 24/7, 365 days a year.

Last month, Whitehaven Coal joined the BMA supporters’ team as Gold Partners, confirming their commitment to the region.

“CQ Rescue is very proud to welcome Whitehaven to our team,” said BMA CQ Rescue General Manager Lisa Martin.

“We are so grateful for their support and for their commitment to saving the lives of people who live, work and play here.”

Dan Iliffe, Whitehaven’s Regional General Manager QLD said the partnership reflects Whitehaven’s continued investment into Central Queensland.

“Anyone who has lived in regional Queensland knows that emergencies are made all the more challenging by the distances involved. In supporting CQ Rescue, we are supporting an essential lifeline for the residents of these communities.

“We’re proud to give back to our region, and we look forward to a long and meaningful partnership with CQ Rescue.”

On a recent visit to the hangar, Liam Stower from Whitehaven Coal got to see firsthand how the operation works. The new AW139 helicopters are a testament to everyone who contributes to the organisation, as they literally would not have been possible without such dedicated corporate and community support. They are state-of-the-art, and they mean BMA CQ Rescue can get to patients faster and reach further parts of the region.

Not long ago the helicopter was in the sky above Hook Island after a hiker experienced a medical episode. With a patient in need of care and nowhere to land, the crew was forced to winch the Rescue Crew Officer and Paramedic down to the island. Once stabilised, the woman was winched back up to the helicopter, where the in-flight Doctor was ready to continue the treatment needed.

“Thanks to all of our corporate partners, partners like Whitehaven, when the community calls, our answer is always ‘yes’,” said Lisa.

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