Record support for Chopper Sheep and Lamb Drive

Wayne Jenkyn with Jeff Galbraith from the WRHS Events team

07th Jul 2026

The annual Ride for the Chopper Sheep and Lamb Drive held at the Guyra Saleyards last week achieved its biggest result yet, raising a record $16,705 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
The total includes $15,505 raised at Tuesday’s sale, combined with an earlier fundraising sale that contributed a further $1,200, more than doubling last year’s total of $7,500.
A total of 55 sheep and lambs were generously donated by 17 vendors from across the New England region, highlighting the community’s ongoing commitment to supporting the lifesaving service.
Organiser and Ride for the Chopper participant Wayne Jenkyn said the overwhelming response from donors, buyers and livestock agents made this year’s drive the most successful to date.
“On Monday night we thought we had commitments for around 25 to 30 sheep and lambs,” Mr Jenkyn said.
“By 9am on Tuesday, that number had grown to 55, including a generous donation of 23 head from a first-time supporter.”
Mr Jenkyn said one long-time donor told him they enjoyed being part of such a well-supported community fundraiser for such an essential regional service.
He thanked the 17 vendors who donated livestock, the buyers who once again paid well above market rates, the livestock agents who threw their support behind the fundraiser, and a local livestock transport operator who continued to generously assist the cause.
“The support from everyone involved was outstanding. It really shows what can be achieved when the community gets behind an important cause,” he said.
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Major Events Lead for the New England North West, Jeff Galbraith, attended the sale on behalf of the service and said he was blown away by the level of support shown by the Guyra and wider New England community.
The funds raised will help the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service continue providing its free, around-the-clock aeromedical and rescue services to communities across northern New South Wales.
The record-breaking result reflects the generosity of local producers, businesses and buyers, whose support will help ensure the service can continue delivering critical care when it is needed most.

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Record support for Chopper Sheep and Lamb Drive

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