Pelican Waters grandfather Graeme Geldard is giving back to LifeFlight after the aeromedical organisation flew his grandson from Hervey Bay to Brisbane for treatment for a heart condition.
That was 17 years ago and now Mr Geldard is joining the community to support the not-for-profit’s new Sunshine Coast base appeal, which includes the Wall of Local Legends, displaying the names of donors contributing $500 or more at the entrance of the new base.
“I’ve always remembered what the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service (now LifeFlight) did for my grandson all those years ago, so when I received the information about the appeal, I thought it was a great opportunity to contribute,” Mr Geldard said after donating $500 for a tile.
“We’re lucky to have a wonderful lifestyle here on the Sunshine Coast and LifeFlight gives us peace of mind that if the worst happens, help is at hand.”
More than 400 club and individual donations have been received for the fit-out of the new base, which upon completion will be nearly three times larger than the current base and will accommodate two AW139 helicopters and one Challenger 604 jet.
Funds raised will go towards expanded crew quarters for six crew members, a patient transfer room with full medical facilities, as well as additional fixtures and equipment.
The Rotary Club of Noosa chipped in $3000 in support of the fit-out, raised primarily from sausage sizzles held at Bunnings Noosaville.
Club president Glenn Brown, who also personally donated $500, said the new base was creating a buzz in the community.
“This new base sounds marvelous and is exactly what we need here,” Mr Brown said.
“We hear LifeFlight flying overhead everyday and we know how vital the work is to making sure people get the medical attention they need, particularly in outlying areas.”
Mr Brown, a former Royal Australian Air Force engineer, said he had his own personal motivation for donating to the appeal as his wife was airlifted to the Royal Women’s Hospital in Brisbane after she had a stroke.
“I know exactly how vital this service is to the community.”
The Cooroy Pomona Lions Club donated $2,600 towards the new base.
Club secretary Heather Manders said they loved the idea of supporting the new base and being recognised on the Wall of Local Legends.
“LifeFlight will always be there for anyone whether they are injured in an accident or need assistance with health problems,” she said.
“It’s why we are getting behind the new base especially as a club based in a rural town far from major hospitals in Brisbane.”
Ms Manders, who worked at the Pomono & District Community House, said Pomona was a town where locals banded together to create positive change.
“There’s a wonderful community spirit here and throughout the Sunshine Coast, which makes a project like the new LifeFlight Sunshine Coast base the ideal initiative to support.”
Construction is underway on the base which is part of the Sunshine Coast Airport Aerospace Precinct, following $18.6 million in State Government funding for the base build, and a 20-year ground lease from the Queensland Government.
It will include the Jocelyn Walker Visitor Experience Centre to directly engage the community in LifeFlight’s aeromedical work.
Vice Regional Patron of LifeFlight Sunshine Coast and South Burnett Region, Jocelyn Walker AM, who made the lead gift towards the visitor centre, said LifeFlight had raised a significant sum, however there was still a way to go before the base opened late next year.
“We wish to thank everyone who has contributed so far towards the new base, with all donations, including for the Wall of Local Legends, going towards the fit-out,” she said.
“We are delighted that our community has rallied to support this important fundraiser and forever grateful for their generosity.”
LifeFlight’s roots go back to 1979 when the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service launched from the base of the Big Cow.
In the past financial year, LifeFlight helped 600 people on the Sunshine Coast, 19 per cent higher than the previous year.
LifeFlight is fundraising for the fitout of the new Sunshine Coast base servicing the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and South Burnett regions and beyond. Donors can contribute directly towards the base or if in a position to donate $500 or more, be honoured on our Wall of Local Legends which will be displayed at the entrance.
Find out more at lifeflight.org.au/local-legends-sunshine-coast.
Early bird tickets are now available for the LifeFlight Sunshine Coast Gala 2025. For more information, please visit Sunshine Coast Gala 2025 – LifeFlight.
