Our History
We have come a long way, but we still need your help
As a vital rescue Service, we have come a long way since we were a single helicopter operation. We have grown into a modern Service, equipped with up-to-date facilities, three helicopters, two bases in Maroochydore and Bundaberg and a steady increase to the number of missions we conduct each year.
In the beginning - November 1979, the Sunshine Cost Helicopter Rescue Service had one helicopter flying from a base at the Big Cow at Yandina on the Bruce Highway. Through their hard work and the generosity of the local community, Roy Thompson and the late Des Scanlan, along with other like-minded locals established the rescue service for South East Queensland.
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
- 1997 Donations enable the purchase of a third helicopter, which broadens the range of rescue operations provided
- 1998 A second hangar is established in Bundaberg
- 2006 The Maroochydore operation relocates to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art hangar at Maroochydore Airport
- 2009 AGL Energy Ltd (AGL), Australia’s largest integrated renewable energy company, became our new naming sponsor.
Our future
The AGL Action Rescue team are delighted to have AGL Energy as our naming rights sponsor. Their support helps the Service to continue to provide professional aero-medical and rescue services to our community at no charge to the patient.
As time progresses so will the requirement for greater maintenance of our older aircraft and the decision, eventually to acquire new helicopters. In line with population growth is the increased demand for our aircraft and the life saving services we provide. New equipment will be essential as the health industry continues to develop innovative life saving devices and the upkeep of existing items will continue to be a costly exercise.
Without the generosity of the those who support our fund raising activities, events or make donations, our Service would not be where it is today. We will continue to need community and corporate support to fund our vital operation so, please consider making a donation to AGL Action Rescue, consider becoming a corporate sponsor, make a donation through our call centre or support our events should you have the opportunity.
