Council Reaffirms its Commitment to CapRescue’s Lifesaving Service
Published on 04 March 2026
Livingstone Shire Council is proud to reaffirm its strong support for CapRescue, contributing $25,000 annually to ensure the continuation of this vital, lifesaving aeromedical service as it celebrates 30 years of service to Central Queensland.
Since its first helicopter touched down on the Yeppoon beachfront in the mid-1990s, CapRescue has grown from a grassroots initiative into a trusted, 24/7 rescue service responding to emergencies across an operational area spanning 350,000 square kilometres and serving more than 300,000 people.
Donating to CapRescue since 2014, Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot said Council was honoured to support such an essential service through its annual contribution.
“CapRescue is a lifeline for our region. In a community as vast and diverse as Central Queensland, fast access to emergency aeromedical care can mean the difference between life and death,” Mayor Belot said.
“Livingstone Shire Council is proud to contribute $25,000 each year towards this critical service. It’s an investment in the safety and wellbeing of our residents, visitors, industries, and remote communities.
“For 30 years, CapRescue has stood ready to respond — day or night, on land, at sea or in the air. This milestone is not just a celebration of an organisation, but of a community that believed in building something extraordinary and has continued to support it.”
Chief Executive Officer Darren Pirie said the 30-year anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the service built by the community, while recognising the role partners like Livingstone Shire Council continue to play in its future.
“Thirty years represents thousands of people helped across Central Queensland and the strong local backing that has sustained this service,” Mr Pirie said.
“Livingstone Shire Council’s continued $25,000 contribution is part of that legacy — it helps ensure CapRescue remains ready to respond as the region grows and changes.
“This milestone isn’t just about looking back. It’s about making sure the service is prepared for the next 30 years and the responsibility that comes with protecting communities across Livingstone and beyond.”
To mark the 30-year milestone in 2026, CapRescue will host a series of events across the region, inviting families, community groups, businesses and supporters to be part of the celebrations.
Recreation and Culture Portfolio co-lead, Councillor Andrea Friend, said the milestone year was an opportunity for the region to reflect on what has been achieved together.
“CapRescue exists because the community believed in it from the beginning and continues to stand behind it today,” Cr Friend said.
“As we celebrate 30 years of service, we also celebrate the volunteers, staff, sponsors, businesses, and everyday residents whose generosity ensures this helicopter continues to fly when it matters most.
“Livingstone Shire Council congratulates CapRescue on this remarkable milestone and looks forward to continuing its support of a service that remains a cornerstone of emergency response across Central Queensland.”
About CapRescue
From St Lawrence in the north to Agnes Water in the south, west to Alpha and up to 110 nautical miles offshore, CapRescue provides rapid response when and where it’s needed most — at no cost to patients.
With two emergency helicopters on standby — one dedicated to rescue missions and the other ready to deploy during natural disasters — the service ensures Central Queensland communities are never without critical support.
Crews responded to more than 589 missions last year alone, attending incidents on roads, rural properties, mines, and gas facilities, as well as providing support when tasked by the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. No two days are the same, but every mission carries the same commitment to saving lives.
For more information, visit https://caprescue.org.au/