Helipad plans advancing at Warialda MPS

15 September 2009

Plans are well underway for the construction of a helipad at Warialda Multi Purpose Service (MPS).
Now that Stage 2 works have been completed at the MPS - with the car park construction finalised and the demolition of the old hospital - a Westpac Rescue Helicopter pilot was able to visit the MPS for a second time on August 31.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter pilot met with MPS staff and members of the Warialda Local Health Advisory Committee, to discuss the location of the helipad, as well as determine an estimate for its cost.
Warialda Health Service Manager Sharon Baker has also consulted with the Medical Retrieval Unit as well as NSW Health’s Aviation Consultant Safety Accredited Auditor, who will be providing plans and guidelines for the orientation of the medical helipad.
Works prior to the helipad’s construction will include: the removal of trees in site line of chopper; laying turf around the helipad site to reduce dust and increase vision; laying of water pipes to enable to turf to be watered; and the relocation of a power line and light at the front of the MPS building.
More than $20,000 has so far been donated and pledged towards the construction of a helipad at Warialda Multi Purpose Service. All donated monies have been accounted for and have been placed into a separate bank account held by Warialda MPS.
The Women’s Auxiliary recently confirmed a pledge of $15,000 towards the helipad appeal; $10,000 of this total was secured following the sale of old hospital furniture and electrical items in March.
Other district community groups who have donated funds towards the appeal include Royal Hotel Anglers Club ($700), Gravesend Rodeo Committee ($500), Warialda SES ($1661), Warialda Junior Touch ($551), Warialda Junior Basketball ($1324), Warialda Rodeo Committee ($500), Warialda Quilting Group ($110), and the Off-Roaders Club ($3000).
Some of the funds raised from the sale of personalised courtyard pavers will also be donated towards the helipad construction.
Warialda HSM Sharon Baker said the generosity of local residents was genuinely appreciated.
“Warialda community members are renowned for their generosity and willingness to lend a hand when it’s needed, and the helipad appeal is no exception to this,” Sharon said.
“We are extremely grateful for all who have donated to this fundraiser, as it will benefit the whole community well into the future.”

(HNE-1999)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: (02) 6767 7135