Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) has received a generous donation of $200,000 from the Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust.

This significant contribution will greatly enhance SLST's flood and swift water rescue capabilities, providing invaluable support to the Tasmanian community during emergency situations.

The Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust has been a cornerstone in supporting aerial rescue operations across Tasmania, contributing significantly to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The $200,000 grant is the final allocation from the Trust which is being wound up following the State Government’s decision at the beginning of this year to withdraw the volunteer body’s licence to raise public funds and sponsorship for the State’s helicopter rescue service.

Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust Chair Tony Harrison OAM said the Trust had raised an estimated $10 million to support the helicopter rescue service since its establishment in 2000, through public and corporate donations and the generous sponsorship of the Westpac Group.

“Following the Government decision to close down the Trust, we have now distributed our remaining funds. Since July last year, we have provided some $150,000 for specialist training for police crews, more than $80,000 for other training and equipment for police, paramedics and helicopter crews, and $175,000 for a rigid hull inflatable boat and outboard motor for the new Police patrol vessel,” Mr Harrison said.

“We wanted our last remaining funds to benefit the Tasmanian public as well as meet a pressing community need ,and SLST’s Flood and Swift Water Program really meets this criteria.”

The funding will assist and enable SLST to:
• Better establish two regional caches of flood and swift water rescue equipment for flood and swift water rescue teams in north-west and south-east Tasmania.
• Purchase flood and swift water rescue boats and trailers.
• Cover flood and swift water rescue training costs for SLST volunteers and other Tasmanian emergency service personnel.

Mr Harrison said the Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust was pleased that its final funding grant would assist SLST to maintain and enhance a vital service that provides invaluable support
for Tasmanian communities in times of need.

“The grant is in keeping with our mission and objectives and also those of Westpac, the long-term sponsor of the helicopter rescue service, that also sponsors the Surf Life Saving
movement throughout Australia.”

SLST's Flood and Swift Water Response
Surf Life Saving Tasmania is Tasmania's leading volunteer water safety and rescue authority. SLST plays a pivotal role in educating the public and providing seasonal patrol services on Tasmanian beaches. In addition, SLST volunteers supports Tasmania Police and other first responders yearround, through the Tasmania Emergency Management Arrangements (TEMA).
Following the 2016 Tasmanian flooding event, SLST established a dedicated Flood Swift Water Rescue (FSWR) team, setting high standards for training and rescue operations aligned with
international best practices.

Enhancing Our Capabilities
The $200,000 donation will be instrumental in expanding SLST's flood and swift water rescue capabilities. The funds will be used to:
• Establish two regional caches of flood and swift water rescue PPE and equipment in Northwest and Southeast Tasmania.
• Purchase flood and swift water rescue boats and trailers.
• Cover training costs for SLST volunteers and other Tasmanian emergency services.

This support comes at a crucial time as SLST's expertise in flood and swift water rescue is increasingly sought by Tasmania’s emergency management authorities and interstate agencies.

Over the past 18 months, SLST has been on standby or deployed to assist in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, demonstrating the growing demand for our specialised skills.
In addition to supporting the Tasmanian community, SLST's reputation as a leader in this area has earned it recognition as the Surf Life Saving National Centre of Excellence in flood swift water rescue and training.