Bundaberg Based Rescue Helicopter on Firm Ground with RACQ Announced as New Naming Rights Sponsor

AGL Action Helicopter Rescue Service Kawasaki BK117 B-2 VH-BKV at Bundaberg Airport (File photo taken by 'IAD' ©)

The future of the Bundaberg and Sunshine Coast based rescue helicopters has landed on firm ground with RACQ committing $1.5 million dollars annually to become the new naming rights sponsor of the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service (SCHRS).

The five-year agreement will be indexed annually and RACQ has already indicated its intention to be a long-term sponsor.

AGL Energy Limited (AGL) has been the naming rights sponsor of the Service for the past four years and during this time the AGL Action Rescue Helicopters have been involved in more than four thousand vital rescues throughout south-east and central Queensland. AGL has graciously agreed to step aside before the end of its contract date to secure a funding increase for the life-saving service.  AGL will continue to support the Service as a major sponsor.

There are re-branding issues to work through, including repainting their helicopters, but there's no doubt the blue and yellow which is synonymous with RACQ will feature strongly.

RACQ now sponsors all five community rescue helicopter services across Queensland.

In the 34 years since its inception, the SCHRS has grown to employ 33 staff and provide round-the-clock emergency medical and rescue helicopter services to more than 1.2 million people across an area that spans more than 100,000 square kms.  The Service undertakes around 1,100 lifesaving missions annually. Last year 150 of those involved serious motor vehicle crashes, many with multiple patients.