$7,900 Raised for Chopper in its 25th year

Oganiser Wayne Jenkyn with Kim Newling from the WRHS

26th Aug 2025

Local support was on full display at the Guyra sheep and lamb sale on August 26th, where $7,900 was raised for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) through generous donations of lambs ahead of the annual Ride for the Chopper.
The fundraiser called on local producers to donate lambs for auction, with proceeds going directly to support the lifesaving aeromedical service. Local producers responded in force to the call out, showing continued support for this great cause.
A standout moment saw one lamb fetch $500 before being redonated and sold three times.
WRHS spokesperson Kim Newling thanked local producers, agents and buyers for their ongoing generosity.
“Yesterday we celebrated 25 years of the service in the region, and these funds go straight to supporting our Tamworth base to keep us flying 24/7,” she said.
Local organiser Wayne Jenkyn praised the quality of stock donated.
“The support from local producers was fantastic - they didn’t hold back and sent in some of their best lambs. Buyers also stepped up, paying well above the going rate.”
This year’s sale held special significance, coinciding with a major milestone for WRHS: the 25th anniversary of continuous operations from its Tamworth Base.
Since its launch in August 2000, the Tamworth Base has grown into a vital emergency response hub for communities across the New England North West. Starting with a single-engine Bell 407 helicopter operating from a shared hangar, the service has evolved significantly, now deploying state-of-the-art AW139 helicopters as part of a statewide aeromedical network.
WRHS CEO Steven Underwood acknowledged the milestone, calling it a testament to the strength and generosity of the local community.
“Throughout droughts, bushfires, floods and tough economic times, the people of this region have been unwavering in their support of the Service and for that we are humbled and deeply grateful,” he said.
With the Ride for the Chopper event set to take place this September, Team Guyra’s lamb sale is just one of many community efforts to raise funds for the WRHS.
Donations remain open, and the public is encouraged to support the team by searching “Ride for the Chopper Team Guyra” online.

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$7,900 Raised for Chopper in its 25th year

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