What’s happening?
CapRescue has seen strong community backing in June, with local events bringing businesses, families and supporters together across Central Queensland.
The annual CapRescue Golf Day, presented by Hutchinson Builders, and the CapRescue Open Day, presented by Stanwell and CQUniversity, have helped raise funds and keep the rescue helicopter service closely connected with the region.
The Golf Day brought local businesses, sponsors, volunteers and players together for a major fundraising event. Just over two weeks later, families gathered for the Open Day at the CQUniversity Rockhampton Baseball Fields, where they met the crew, viewed Rescue300 and learned more about emergency response work.
The busy fundraising calendar is set to continue, with the 30th Anniversary Ball in July, the Gladstone Open Day and Golf Day in August, and the Degustation Dinner in September.
Why it matters?
CapRescue relies on strong community support to continue its lifesaving work across Central Queensland.
Community Engagement Officer Sharyn Truelson said the Golf Day highlighted the generosity of local businesses and the wider community.
“More than 100 golfers joined us on the day, and together we raised more than $28,000 for CapRescue,” Ms Truelson said.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Naming Rights Sponsor, Hutchinson Builders, Gold Sponsors Absolute Waste, CJ Homes Central Queensland and Whitehaven Coal, Silver Sponsors 1 Maintenance & Supply and Brown and Hurley, our hole sponsors, volunteers and every golfer who took part.”
Acting CEO Kirsty Wooler said the June events reflected the close bond between CapRescue and the communities it serves.
“June was a wonderful reminder of how much this region values its local rescue helicopter service,” Ms Wooler said.
“Whether people attended an event, volunteered their time, sponsored an activity or made a donation, every contribution helps ensure help is on its way when it matters most.”
Local Impact
For Rockhampton and the wider Central Queensland region, the events have given locals a closer connection to a service many people know and value.
At the Open Day, visitors could get close to Rescue300, step inside the helicopter, meet the crew and view emergency services displays. Interactive kids’ activities also helped make the event relaxed and family-friendly.
Ms Truelson said the growing turnout was encouraging.
“It was great to see so many smiling faces enjoying the activities on offer and making the most of a beautiful winter’s day in Central Queensland,” she said.
The response has also given CapRescue momentum as more fundraising events approach.
By the numbers
The June events show how strongly Central Queensland is getting behind CapRescue.
- More than 100 golfers took part in the CapRescue Golf Day, with every hole sponsored by local businesses.
- The Golf Day raised more than $28,000, with funds supporting CapRescue’s lifesaving mission.
- More than 650 people attended the Open Day, up from about 500 attendees last year.
Zoom In
The Golf Day was backed by Hutchinson Builders as Naming Rights Sponsor, with Absolute Waste, CJ Homes Central Queensland and Whitehaven Coal as Gold Sponsors.
Silver Sponsors included 1 Maintenance & Supply and Brown and Hurley, while hole sponsors, volunteers and players helped make the event possible.
At the Open Day, Rescue300 was the main attraction. Visitors stepped inside the helicopter, took photos and spoke with the crew who respond to emergencies across the region.
The emergency services displays also helped families better understand how rescue operations work.
Zoom Out
The response so far in June shows how much CapRescue is valued across Central Queensland.
While the helicopter crew responds during urgent situations, the service is also supported by people who attend events, volunteer, sponsor activities and donate.
That backing helps keep CapRescue visible, supported and connected to the communities it serves.
What To Look For Next?
CapRescue’s fundraising calendar will continue over the coming months, giving more people across the region a chance to get involved.
The 30th Anniversary Ball will be held on 24 July and presented by QMAG. The Gladstone Open Day will follow on 2 August, thanks to Australia Pacific LNG downstream operator ConocoPhillips.
The Gladstone Golf Day, presented by United Fasteners, is set for 28 August. The Degustation Dinner, presented by QMAG, will be held on 3 September.
Ms Wooler said CapRescue is looking to build on the support already shown.
“The enthusiasm shown throughout June has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to building on that momentum over the coming months,” she said.
