FROM VISION TO REALITY - ROTARY’S “SOUTHCARE” STORY

A longish story but well worth a read -

The “SouthCare” aeromedical helicopter service was inaugurated on 1 October 1998 - but D9710’s involvement began back in 1995 when, as DGN my attention was drawn to the need for a dedicated local chopper by Judith Ellem, whose husband was President of the Rotary Club of Belconnen. This followed her daughter’s Water Skiing accident on the Shoalhaven River. Suspected of a spine injury, she had to be supported in the water awaiting a helicopter all the way from Sydney for retrieval.

This coincided with the ACT Government trying to get a service based in Canberra - so I decided to recommend to my 1995/96 District Assembly that D9710 adopt, as a District Project, to raise $50,000 and to engender a community demand. The proposal was adopted unanimously and contributions began to flow in.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, I lobbied hard with the NSW Government, using Rotary’s wide community standing around our region to help cut through some bureaucratic obstacles from NSW Health to the ACT government.

Midnight hand written, faxed letters to Premier Bob Carr and Health Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge helped to oil the wheels and both Governments agreed on a NSW 90% and ACT 10% funding - supported by ACT establishing a then “SouthCare Trust Fund”.

And so on 1 October 1998, “SouthCare” landed on the lawns in front of New Parliament House and we were off and running (oops flying!!).  Minister Gary Humphries appointment me Chairman of the Trust.

Our $50,000 target was met and augmented by a D9710 application to the NAB Community Service Awards in 1998 - based on in-kind contributions to the building of the Helicopter Base at Hume.  Our submission won the $2,000 ACT Award and went on to Melbourne to win the National for another $15,000.  This coincided with the Australian Rotary Institute for DG’s; PDG’s and incoming Officers, held at Rydges, London Circuit in November 1998.

So - “SouthCare” on the grass opposite , I presented Minister Gary Humphries with a cheque for over $69,000 - the first donation to the new Trust Fund.

D9710 clubs have continued magnificent support through 22 years - both in cash and kind.  The latter includes for the Base; Tumut, Bombala and Batemans Bay Helipads - and sponsorship of various pieces of specialised aeromedical equipment.

ALL UP - $500,000 IN CASH AND KIND! For nearly 10 years two Rotary LOGOS affixed on either side of the cowling beneath the Rotors recognised our key role - until I invited our Lions cousins to also support and we then shared Logos.

Having secured naming rights sponsorship- “SouthCare” became “SnowyScheme SouthCare” then “SnowyHydro SouthCare”.  More Logos appeared with the increased level of major sponsorships.

In 2016 after another NSW Government survey of state wide aeromedical services resulted in the calling for wider contracts to consolidate operation of the services.  This resulted in TOLL Industries successfully tendering for a fleet of eight new, State of the Art Choppers - including one permanently based in Canberra. For some time, our initial contractor, Lloyds Canadian Helicopter Company’s Bell 412EH was passing its 38 year “use by date” and a new one was needed.

While sad to see “Charlie”, as SHSC was affectionately known, retired - it has been a win, win for the ACT and SENSW communities.  We have the purpose built Italian platform equipped with the latest medical technology and equipment - flown by TOLL employed Pilot and Crew (including previous operatives) - but continuing to be manned by our ACT Emergency Service Authority Doctors and Paramedics and a continuing engineering and maintenance connection. 

PLUS - the service is now fully funded by both ACT and NSW Governments.  Consequently “the SHSC Trust Fund” is being wound up after raising nearly $10 million from sponsorships, local councils, community and personal donations

I stood down in October 2006 after 8 years as Chairman and was subsequently appointed a “Special Ambassador” - incl. liaison with Rotary and Lions. Through succession planning Rotarian Dr David Marshall AM (RCC) served as Chairman from October 2006 until this year.

Most sincere thanks to all D9710clubs and members for your now 22 years’ involvement. For your magnificent monetary contributions and that of members “in-kind support”. Also for spreading the SHSC word around your communities.

Being a bit of a softie, a nostalgic review of so many newspaper cuttings and photos, front cover of RDU, TV spots and Club bulletin articles brought tears to my eyes.  SHSC flew over 7000 mercy missions, saving lives and minimizing trauma - while carrying Rotary’s Logo. Magnificent crew men and women, often putting their lives on the line.  Multiply that by grateful parents and family.

Rotarians have been an integral part of this journey - in making a real difference.

When Chairman and subsequently as Ambassador, I used to end the many speeches over the years with: “We are working hard for a service that we hope and pray you will never need - but if you ever do - SHSC will be there for you 24/7”. In 2011 it was, for our family.

Thank you “Rotary Family” for $5000,000 worth of commitment - what could have been the normal short term support stretched to 22 years!

Vision achieved - “roger over and out!!