SOLAS Trust’s largest donation

• NEWS
• 30 Dec, 2002 09:50:00 AM

SOLAS Trust’s largest donation

The SOLAS Trusts were established following the stormswept 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. It makes its single biggest donation today.

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Rear Commodore and the Chairman of Trustees of the SOLAS Trusts, Martin James, will present a cheque for $40,000 to the Acting Police Commissioner Jack Johnston on behalf of the Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust immediately following the announcement of handicap winners at 3.00pm in the King Street Pier area.

Following the presentation, Police Rescue will simulate a rescue in the King Street Pier to demonstrate their capabilities.

“The money will be used predominantly to fund the purchase of rescue equipment including two new rescue stretchers, crew and patient harnesses, personal emergency beacons for the crew and a range of specialised water rescue and safety and survival equipment,” said Paul Newland, pilot/crew of Chief Rotary Police Rescue Helicopter.

“Funds will also be used to purchase two high tech life rafts and water rescue roping and survival packs which will be used by police divers when rescuing people from boats.

“The donation from SOLAS has now enabled us to expedite our plans to develop specialist boat access and rescue equipment.”

The helicopter responds to all calls for assistance throughout Tasmania, Bass Strait, and the Southern Ocean and performs over 350 missions per year.

The organisation uses a state-of-the-art twin engine BK117 helicopter, which is capable of flight at night and in adverse weather conditions.

“The Rotor-lift helicopter serves not only the whole of Tasmania but extends its services to other states,” acknowledged Martin James. “Trust Directors are also aware that just recently Rotor-lift assisted the bush fire fighters of New South Wales.

“These rescue personnel are our real ‘national treasures’,” he added. “They train hard, work hard and they put their lives on the line to rescue people. All rescue people need greater recognition for their tireless efforts in what can be often more difficult conditions.”

The SOLAS Trust Funds were established following the loss of six lives in the 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and aim to:

· assist the immediate family of those lost at sea during Australian Yachting Federation sanctioned races
· provide assistance to search and rescue organisations
· foster research and training to improve procedures and equipment for use at sea.

The SOLAS Trusts have donated $30,000 to NRMA CareFlight in NSW $20,000 to RACQ CareFlight in Queensland and $20,000 to Snowy Hydro SouthCare in the ACT.

“We will continue to look at other charitable organisations around Australia that are involved in rescue activities and will make further donations next year,” said the Chairman.