LifeFlight opens hangar to public

IT IS not every day that members of the community get to see the LifeFlight chopper up close, but this past weekend provided a special exception to that rule.

Opening its new hangar doors to the public for the first time, Ethan and Alex Merrell were just some of the children to enjoy the eye-widening experience.

“There were so many buttons,” Ethan said.

LifeFlight fundraising co-ordinator Amy Luhrs said the day was organised to help members of the public understand the much-needed service the organisation provides to the region.

“We like to have these events to give back to the community,” Ms Luhrs said.

“Lots of people may have questions about the helicopter and what goes on we get to talk about missions and the stuff we do.”

The new state-of-the-art facility was built after developer Clive Berghofer matched a Federal Government contribution to the build of $2.2 million.

“Today is not all about fundraising though, its about giving back to the community and inviting them in to have a look around and meet us,” Ms Luhrs said.

“This is our first community day we have had here at the new centre.

“It’s an annual event but this is the first we have had at the new facility so we are very excited.

“We are so lucky to have this base because what we had before was quite outdated.”

Photos: Nev Madsen ALL SMILES: Getting to see a chopper up close for the first time are (from left) Ethan, Steve and Alex Merrell at the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Community Open Day in Toowoomba.

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue staff Suzie Byrnes (left) and Amy Luhrs.

Enjoying the community day are (from left) Amie Nester with Chloe and Sally Nester.

Charlie Rasmussen (left) and Blair Rasmussen take control of the cockpit of an RACQ LifeFlight Rescue chopper.

Hamish Felton-Taylor (left) with son Angus at the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Community Open Day in Toowoomba..