Goodman Foundation Donate High Tech Helicopter

December 7th 2021

Today the Goodman Foundation proudly officially handed over a state-of-the-art firefighting helicopter to the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS).

The helicopter which includes a winch, belly tank and a surveillance camera for use in firefighting, search and rescue, has served its first operation – in the state’s west to assist with emergency response to flooding.

Today’s event acknowledged the importance of partnerships to help protect communities during fire, floods and emergencies.

MEDIA RELEASE

Speciality NSW RFS helicopter already serving the community

A state-of-the-art firefighting helicopter, donated by the Goodman Foundation to the NSW Rural Fire
Service (NSW RFS), has already been put to good use to help protect the community.
The helicopter was recently deployed to Forbes, in the state’s west, to assist the NSW State
Emergency Service (NSW SES) and local brigades with the emergency response to flooding in the
region.

The chopper has been reconfigured to meet the specific needs of the NSW RFS, including the
installation of winch, belly tank and a surveillance camera for use in firefighting operations, search and
rescue, and down the wire insertions and extractions.

While government will always have a role in providing this kind of equipment, partnerships of this nature
will help secure additional resources to help protect communities during fire seasons.

Greg Goodman, Group CEO at Goodman Group, said the helicopter is part of the Foundation’s $6.5
million pledge to support Australian communities following the bush fires.

“The Goodman Foundation partners with like-minded local organisations to fund explicit projects and in
doing so, provide real support where it is needed most,” Mr Goodman said.

“The 2019/20 bushfires left a devastating imprint on all of us. By supporting the NSW RFS with this
helicopter, we hope to make a tangible and sustainable difference to the NSW RFS and the lives of
people in our community. “

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said having the specialised aircraft was a valuable additional
resource to combat fires across the state.

“We know helicopters can play a key role in providing early and impactful action against developing
fires and, as recent events show, our aviation capabilities are able to assist other emergency service
agencies during times of crisis,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“We’re very grateful for this generous donation by the Goodman Foundation as we enter the fire
season. This welcome gift places us in a great position to continue to protect people in the communities
we serve.”

With rainfall expected to continue over the coming months, it’s predicted to fuel grass and crop growth
and increasing the likelihood of grass fires across the state. Grass fires can be especially dangerous
because they start quickly and spread rapidly, destroying not only homes and stock, but also lives and
livelihoods.

“While we are seeing a lot of rain currently, we cannot be complacent about preparing this fire season
as bush and grass fires can strike at any time,” Commissioner Rogers said.
“It is crucial that people prepare and take simple steps like cleaning your gutters, removing
combustibles from your yard, ensuring hoses can reach all corners of your property and completing or
updating your bush fire survival plan, so you and your family know what you will do in the event of a
fire.”

ENDS

NSW RFS Media Contact: State Duty Media Officer on 9898 1855
Goodman Media Contact: Kerrie Muskens on 0410 535250