What’s Happening?
National Volunteer Week is putting a spotlight on people who give their time to support communities across Australia.
For CapRescue, volunteers have been part of its story since the service began in 1996.
As the organisation marks 30 years of service to Central Queensland, it is recognising its supporters.
CapRescue Operations Manager Kirsty Wooler said community involvement had shaped the organisation from the start.
“Thirty years ago, the region came together with a shared vision to establish a rescue helicopter service for Central Queensland, and that same sense of connection still drives the organisation today.”
Ms Wooler said local people had played a key part through many forms of support.
“From fundraising events and sausage sizzles in the early years through to the dedicated volunteer program we have today, local people have always played an important role in CapRescue,” Ms Wooler said.
“While our crews are responding to emergencies, volunteers and supporters across the region continue to play a valuable role in helping keep the service operating.”
Why It Matters
CapRescue plays a vital role across Central Queensland, where distance can affect emergency response.
Volunteer support helps keep the organisation connected to the communities it serves.
That support also helps build local awareness, raise funds and bring people together behind the service.
Today, CapRescue’s StepUp Volunteer Program continues with backing from Thiess.
CapRescue Community Engagement Coordinator Sharyn Truelson said National Volunteer Week was a timely reminder.
“We are incredibly grateful to every volunteer who gives their time to CapRescue, along with Thiess for continuing to stand behind the StepUp Volunteer Program,” Mrs Truelson said.
By the Numbers
- The StepUp Volunteer Program has been proudly backed by Thiess since 2017.
- Four CapRescue events are listed for June, July and August 2026.
- Volunteers can help across eight areas, including barbecues, raffles, photography, public speaking and gardening.
Local Impact
Central Queensland locals can support CapRescue in practical ways, even with limited time.
Volunteers can help with entry points, collect gold coin donations, cook barbecues or sell merchandise.
They can also help with raffle tickets, mascot duties, photography, videography, sewing, public speaking and gardening.
Mrs Truelson said people should not feel they need to make a major time commitment.
“It’s important to remember with this year’s theme, ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, that it doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment in order to make a difference.”
“There are so many ways people can get involved, whether it’s helping at events, cooking a barbecue, selling raffle tickets or merchandise, helping represent CapRescue in the community or even stepping into mascot duties.”
“Every person brings something different, and every contribution helps keep CapRescue flying. Is this your year to volunteer?”
Zoom In
The StepUp Volunteer Program gives people a clear way to support CapRescue beyond frontline rescue work.
It allows locals to be part of events, fundraising and community engagement across the region.
The program also helps CapRescue stay visible in Central Queensland communities.
That presence matters because the service was built through local support from the beginning.
Zoom Out
National Volunteer Week has a broader message for communities across Australia.
It recognises people who quietly give their time to support local causes, services and events.
For CapRescue, that message links directly to its 30-year milestone.
The organisation’s history shows how local support can help sustain an emergency service over decades.
What To Look For Next?
CapRescue has several community events coming up in 2026:
- Friday, 5 June 2026 – CapRescue Golf Day will give locals another way to support the service.
- Sunday, 21 June 2026 – CapRescue Rockhampton Open Day will bring the community closer to the work behind the rescue service.
- Sunday, 28 June 2026 – Country Music Sundays will offer another local fundraising and volunteer opportunity.
- Sunday, 26 July 2026 – Country Music Sundays will continue with more community support for CapRescue.
- Sunday, 2 August 2026 – CapRescue Gladstone Open Day will extend the volunteer message across Central Queensland.
