November 13, 2024
A recent appeal by LifeFlight to help fit out their new base on the Sunshine Coast has prompted a Kingaroy couple to dig deep into their pockets to support the project.
Barry and Leanne Krosch handed over a cheque for $25,000 to LifeFlight representative Karen McIntyre in Kingaroy on Wednesday afternoon.
Karen said the money would be used to support the training room which would be named in the couple’s honour.
A sod-turning ceremony is planned for later this week to formally start construction of the new aeromedical hub, which will be located at the Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola.
The State Government is providing $18.6 million to fund the actual construction, however LifeFlight – which now operates in partnership with the Queensland Ambulance Service – has been tasked with finding the $2 million to fit it out.
The complex is expected to be open by August next year.
It will house two AW139 rescue helicopters as well as a Challenger medical retrieval jet and will service the North and South Burnett, Gympie, Somerset and Sunshine Coast regions.
LifeFlight are still looking for sponsors for eight other rooms at the facility, including the patient transfer area, crew lounge and meeting room.
They can be supported for amounts ranging from $15,000 to $25,000.
The not-for-profit organisation is also seeking smaller amounts which will be recognised with plaques on a “Wall of Local Legends” at the base.
These donations range from $500 to $10,000 plus.
In August, the South Burnett was formally recognised as a “Local Legend” due to the amount of fundraising that is carried out across the region.
At a lunch in Kingaroy, LifeFlight regional advisory committee chair (Sunshine Coast & South Burnett) Brendon Murray said a plaque to honour the community would be installed on the wall.
He invited residents, community groups and businesses to also become “Local Legends”.
“In the last year, our local rescue helicopter service … has helped more than 150 people in the Kingaroy and South Burnett area,” Mr Murray said.
“We couldn’t do this without you, and we honour your support and fundraising immensely.”
It was this speech which inspired Barry and Leanne to make their generous donation this week.
- External link: Become A LifeFlight Local Legend
- Related article: LifeFlight Thanks Local Legends
