AGL funding in need of Operation Rescue
Sat 05 June 2010
Hannah Bekkeli, Bachelor of Communication
Public Relations students at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), Australia, have embarked on a mission to raise much-needed funds for the AGL Action Rescue Helicopter.
The AGL Action Rescue Helicopter is owned and operated by the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Ltd.
Operation Rescue will be held at Stockland Park, Kawana on Sunday, May 30, 2010, to celebrate the emergency services on the Sunshine Coast, with all proceeds being donated to AGL.
AGL is a not-for-profit organisation that has served a vital role in the Queensland community through performing emergency medical responses, inter-hospital transfers and search and rescue missions for over 30 years.
In the last financial year, AGL flew over 1100 free missions and, unlike other emergency services on the Sunshine Coast, AGL is not entirely government funded and so relies heavily on support from the community.
Earlier this year, The Sunshine Coast Daily urged the Sunshine Coast community to volunteer or donate to AGL.
The article inspired USC public relations students to direct their event project towards this cause and help raise much needed funds and awareness for AGL and other emergency services on the Sunshine Coast.
Operation Rescue is part of the USC event project course, and involves students developing, managing and running an event on the Sunshine Coast.
USC student and Operation Rescue event coordinator Jamie English expressed her excitement for the event, and said it was great to finally give back to an organisation that provides extensively to the community.
“AGL is a wonderful service, and it must be just that little bit harder not being government funded...that’s why AGL will receive all the funds raised on the day,” Miss English said.
“We’re expecting about 500 people to attend on the day, and strongly urge Sunshine Coast residents to get behind this worthy cause and ensure AGL is here to stay.”
AGL business development assistant Penny Crebbin said the AGL team was eager to be part of Operation Rescue, as fundraising is one of their main focuses of their organisation.
“We are looking to increase our government funding, as we are contracted by the state-government to provide this rescue helicopter service,” Ms Crebbin said.
Ms Crebbin said AGL’s estimated expenditure for 2010 was about $5.5 million, depending on mission lengths and types.
“The government gives us $3.5 million per year, with AGL sponsoring us $880,000,” Ms Crebbin said.
“This leaves us short about $2.3 to 2.5 million, which we receive through funding sourcing.”
Ms Crebbin said although its service relies heavily on sponsorship and fundraising, the AGL team will never let funding limit the work it does.
“As a charity, we closely track our funds and watch our cash flow each year, but we will never operationally limit what we do or let it hinder our ability to conduct missions,” Ms Crebbin said.
The introduction of the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter could have potentially disadvantaged AGL, but Ms Crebbin showed appreciation for the new service in their fight to keep the community safe.
“I don’t think the new Surf Lifesaving helicopters will [be] detrimental to us...it will complement our service rather than compete with it,” Ms Crebbin said.
“We have a very different focus of operation...they cover the sea while we cover both sea and land missions...it’s great that we will have a helping hand.”
“I believe it is going to be a fabulous day and we are very excited to be involved.
“As our sponsors often change, so does our name in accordance to sponsorship naming rights.
“Due to this, we want to use Operation Rescue to become recognised within the community and boost our community awareness.
“It’s also a great way to bring all emergency and rescue services together.
“AGL is partners with all emergency crews.
“Each mission is a team effort and we often work together to gain an end result.
“There is no competition between services, we are all out there working together towards a common goal.”
As well as its participation in Operation Rescue, AGL will also be holding a charity Golf Day on Friday, August 6, 2010, at Peregian Springs, and Ms Crebbin urged volunteers to get involved and ensure its success.
“AGL could always do with more volunteers,” Ms Crebbin said.
“We are currently restructuring our volunteer system to allow our volunteers to work more independently on projects specific to their talents, to ensure we are receiving beneficial services and increase the level of fulfilment for our volunteers.”
Ms Crebbin encouraged the community to support Operation Rescue in its attempt to raise awareness and celebrate the Sunshine Coast emergency services.
“We cannot do our job without the support of the community, and we need your help to keep us flying,” Ms Crebbin said.
Image(s) designed by Hannah Bekkeli