Mackay Airport
News

MPA workers lift donations to rescue chopper service

Workers at the Mackay Port Authority have taken on the challenge to further assist the CQ RESQ Helicopter Service.

MPA painter Bill Dunn is happy to donate $2 a week from his pay packet.

MPA employees and members of the CFMEU are the first in the district to lift their weekly payroll donations from a dollar to $2 a week.

RACQ-CQ RESQ general manager Phil Dowler said operational costs had increased by about 100 per cent since the helicopter first took to the skies in 1996.

“The MPA’s support is fantastic news – at the end of the day every dollar helps.” Mr Dowler said.” If everyone follows the MPA’s lead, payroll deductions will inject more than half a million dollars into service’s coffers.”

Last year 5000 people donated $271 000 through payroll deductions. Mr Dowler said the service faced a constant battle to keep the rescue helicopter in the air.

“The State Government provides $890 000 to keep us going each year. That’s about a third of the total operational ‘bill’ of $2.5 million. The remainder is funded through donations and sponsorships,” he said.

Mackay Port Authority chief executive officer Greg Mann said the MPA was a strong supporter of the rescue helicopter service.

“Recently we handed over $2000 fished out of the barra pond “wishing well” at the airport,” he said. “CQ RESQ used this money to purchase a purpose-built medical trolley.

Mr Mann said MPA employees had a great affinity with CQ RESQ – and the decision to lift payroll deductions to $2 a week showed the community spirit that was alive and well within the MPA.

Meantime, Mr Dowler said two lucky “contributors” to the payroll deduction scheme would enjoy a holiday on Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island has donated a weekend for two people to the island. The winners will be drawn next month.