Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers of the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Rescue helicopter based in Symonston in my electorate. I was fortunate enough to attend the presentation awards to those people involved with the SouthCare system by the Governor-General Friday a week ago. The award recipients were recognised for the great service they provide to the people of the ACT and southern New South Wales. At the awards the Governor-General spoke about the ‘golden hour’—the time following an accident, where swift medical attention increases the chances of survival. Snowy Hydro SouthCare is vital in ensuring that medical attention can be rendered during this golden hour.

Over 4,000 missions have been performed by the SouthCare chopper. This service saves the lives of people each day through airlift and search and rescue services. I pay tribute to the medical crew, air crew and staff who ensure this service is able to save the lives of so many. I particularly want to congratulate those members of the service who volunteer. Volunteering is such an important part of our society, and so many events and organisations would be paralysed without their tireless work. Snowy Hydro SouthCare is no different. I pay tribute to Mal and Marg Grimley, Dana and Russ Whitty, Randy Kellar and Nic Wienke for their superb volunteer efforts in ensuring that this service continues to be provided to the people of Canberra and the capital region. Again, I congratulate all the award recipients and thank them on behalf of the people of Canberra.