In December 2009, Commander Tom Tully elected to resign his role of Chair of the Tasmania Air Rescue Trust (TART). Commander Tully had been involved with the Trust since it’s inception as a charity in 2000 and has assisted to ensure that through corporate sponsorship the Trust is in a financially secure position.

The long-term corporate sponsorship of the Westpac Banking Corporation, ensured that the Trust could continue to provide the local community, national and internal visitors with a world class aero-medical helicopter rescue service.

The Trust has also been able to fulfil its charter in providing ongoing crew training and purchasing specialised equipment for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

December 2009 saw the election of Mr Brett Smith as the new Chair of the Trust. Mr Smith is an Inspector with Tasmania Police and has served in all regions of the State, with operational experience and a particular interest search and rescue and marine policing.

The Trust Board particularly wishes to thank Commander Tully for his leadership, commitment and dedication over the last 5 years. The Trust looks forward to continuing the good work with their new Chair.

In the next twelve months the focus and direction for the Trust will be to raise community awareness about the role of the Trust in supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. A corporate ambassador’s program will soon be launched to assist this process.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

21 December – 1 March
In the period the Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew 103 hours. These missions included:

• Motorcycle accidents 2
• Motor Vehicle accidents 3
• Search and Rescue 25
• Medivacs 9