Our history

Timeline

1979

Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service Limited founded in Yandina with one helicopter. This is the first community-based service of its kind in south-east Queensland

1983

The service relocates from Yandina to Maroochydore Airport

1989

A Queensland government grant allows the purchase of a second helicopter

1994

ENERGEX comes on board as the major sponsor, and the service changes its name to ENERGEX Community Rescue

1997

Donations from ENERGEX customers enables the purchase of a third helicopter, which significantly broadens the range of rescue operations provided

1998

A second hangar is established in Bundaberg

2006

The Maroochydore operations relocate to a purpose-built hangar at Maroochydore Airport, providing state-of-the-art facilities

2007

To coincide with the sale of the retail part of ENERGEX, donor capacity is upgraded to allow direct contributions to the helicopter service.

ENERGEX announces a new multi-million dollar sponsorship agreement, providing a record $1 million per annum in sponsorship

We’ve come a long way

The Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service Limited has come a long way since its beginnings in November 1979. It started with one helicopter, a new Jetranger, VH-JOW, from a base at the Big Cow on the Bruce Highway at Yandina. Recognising the need for a valuable community rescue service, businessman, the late Des Scanlan, along with other local businessmen and heads of Emergency Services established the first such service in south-east Queensland. In 1983, we moved our base to the Maroochydore Airport.

In 1989, we extended our operations, with the help of a Queensland Government grant, by buying a second helicopter, a Bell Longranger, VH-JOW. ENERGEX began sponsoring the service in late 1994, and with the help of ENERGEX customers, we were able to purchase a third helicopter - a BK117 in 1997. The helicopter went into the Aeromech workshop at the Sunshine Coast Airport for major refurbishment and modifications before taking to the air on 17 December 1997. The fitment and certification of the final piece of equipment, the winch, was completed in June 1998. The addition of the BK117 significantly broadened the range of rescue operations we could provide.

In March 1998, ENERGEX Community Rescue broadened its service by setting up an additional base at the Aerial Ambulance Hangar in Bundaberg.

In 2006 we relocated our Sunshine Coast operations to a new purpose built facility at Maroochydore Airport. We were able to do this thanks to generous donations from our sponsors, and the local community.

In 2007 The Queensland Government sold the SunRetail arm of ENERGEX. To ensure the high standard of service was maintained, ENERGEX announced a record $1 million per year sponsorship. In addition to this, ENERGEX assists with other fundraising activities. Customers may also donate direct to ENERGEX Community Rescue. Click here to donate now.