With Tasmania’s summer bushwalking season fast approaching and an increase in boating activities, the
crew of the newly rebranded Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania is reminding bushwalkers and
boaters to be prepared.

The timely warning comes as Westpac reaffirms its ongoing support of the service until 2017, having
supported the Tasmanian service since 2005. Westpac has signed another partnership, which will assist
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania to be there for those in need of rescuing 24 hours a day, seven
days a week.

Lester Wynne-Jones, Retail State General Manager for Tasmania said Westpac was thrilled to reaffirm its
support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Tasmania and to enable the service to continue their vital
service across the state during this summer bushwalking and boating season.

“The rebranding of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Tasmania will become part of the already existing
fleet of 17 Westpac Rescue Helicopters which is a really exciting time for the service,“ Mr. Wynne-Jones
said.

This season also sees the return of Air Rescue for a third series, with the first episode to air in December
on Southern Cross. Season three will showcase the vital work of the service at the Tasmanian base,
highlighting some of the dangers faced on land and at sea.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania Board member, Josie O’Brien, said she was delighted about
Westpac‘s reaffirmed support of the vital service.

“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania could be called on to search for a missing bushwalker or
conduct a medical evacuation at any time,“ said Ms. O’Brien.

Ms O’Brien is well aware of the need of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania service having herself
been rescued by the service in October, 2012.

“We are urging all Tasmanians to prepare for their bushwalks by checking the weather forecasts and
packing appropriate equipment, fully planning the trip and the stages to be walked each day, advising a
responsible person of your planned journey, and signing log books at the start and end of each trip.

“Over the past five years, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania has completed 1,322 search and rescue
missions in Tasmania,” Ms. O’Brien said.

Police Inspector Lee Renshaw of Marine, Search and Rescue for Tasmania Police said it’s important to
ensure people are equipped for all weather situations when walking in the wilderness or heading out on
the water.

Inspector Renshaw said there were nine simple safety steps for bush walkers to follow.

1. Plan the walk according to your group’s fitness and capabilities, by researching the route using
guidebooks, the internet, National Parks staff or experienced walkers, and leave details with a relative
or friend of where you are going and when you expect to be back.

2. Be prepared to change your plans depending on track and weather conditions, or the well-being of
your group. Is it really worth heading up Mt Ossa in a blizzard?

3. Be prepared for changeable track conditions by carrying all-weather clothing and a tent in case huts
are full, because Tasmania can experience both 30 degrees and snow in the same day.

4. Take the right gear but don’t over pack, because a heavy pack is hard work, no fun and can lead to
trouble. Be sure to take a first aid kit with plenty of blister tape.

5. Walking alone puts you at higher risk, so walk in groups and make sure you have an effective way to
communicate. Mobile phones work from most of the state’s higher mountains and Tasmania Police
encourage the carriage of personal locator beacons (PLBs) for emergencies in remote areas.

6. Always complete log books entries in huts, even if you’re not staying in the hut, so you can be traced
if you go missing or are late returning to your base.

7. Check both the National Parks and Wildlife, and Tasmania Fire Service websites for locations of
active bushfires and planned burns, and do not light fires – use a camp stove rather than a camp fire.

8. Stay out of flooded rivers and if a river crossing is necessary, be aware that in summer the rivers can
rise and fall quickly as the weather passes, so you may only need to wait a day or so until the river
levels drops.

9. If you are lost or injured, contact emergency services by phone or PLB if possible. The initial search
will probably be by helicopter, so make yourself as visible as possible. At night the helicopter will be
using night vision, so even a small light becomes very visible. Do not approach the helicopter and
wait for instructions from the rescue crew.

The Department of Police and Emergency Management together with Westpac are proud to deliver and
support the ongoing provision of the Service to the Tasmanian community. Fundraising is also
undertaken to assist and support the air, police and ambulance crews with opportunities for advanced
education and training.

Anyone who has experienced Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania can share their story, say thank you
and if they wish, donate via westpacrescuetas.com.au.

Westpac Rescue
TAS Overview

 Westpac has supported the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Tasmania since 2005.
 Westpac’s support of Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania has been reaffirmed into 2017 as
part of our support of the Service nationally.
 The rebranding of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania comes in line with a national fleet of
17 Westpac Rescue Helicopters, supported by Westpac.
National Overview
 As the oldest civilian search and rescue service in Australia, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue
Helicopter Service has performed more than 70,000 missions over the past four decades.
 It began in 1973 with just one helicopter in Sydney, and Wales Bank, now known as Westpac,
has supported this vital service since its inception.
 Today the Service covers over 84% of the Australian population during the summer months with
a national operation made up of 17 helicopters flying from 13 bases. The number of helicopters
has recently increased due to the reaffirmation of Westpac’s support for Westpac Rescue
HelicopterTasmania. The Service also includes two rescue boats, based in the Northern Territory
and Victoria.
 Westpac has proudly supported the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service for more than
40 years, and recently reaffirmed its partnership until 2017.
 Every Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter base across the nation is a free community service.
Lester Wynne-Jones, Retail State General Manager for Tasmania, Westpac