CANBERRA’S helicopter rescue service, Snowy Hyrdo SouthCare, will receive $500,000 for a new training centre to be built near its base in Hume. 

The grant, from the Regional Development Australia Fund, will go towards the construction of the administration and training centre which will cost around $1m to build.

Snowy Hydro SouthCare’s operating company will cover the remainder of the cost by matching the $500,000 grant given to the fundraising committee.

Attorney General Simon Corbell says the building would significantly enhance the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Fund’s corporate and community fundraising activities in support of the rescue service.

“The Snowy Hydro SouthCare Rescue Helicopter operates around the clock and is currently tasked on an average of two missions a day,” he says.

“The specially trained flight intensive care paramedics and physicians provide a high standard of aero medical retrieval and rescue, saving lives throughout the ACT and southern NSW.”

Since commencing operations on 1 October 1998, the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Helicopter has flown over 5100 missions, which clearly demonstrates the importance of having this rescue helicopter.