Westpac NSW Blues help power lifesaving rescue missions across NSW
Westpac will donate $100,000 to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service in NSW thanks to the incredible performance of the Westpac NSW Blues and Westpac NSW Blues Women in their respective State of Origin campaigns.
The announcement was made today at the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service in La Perouse by Westpac State General Manager for NSW Jason Stephens, with Westpac NSW Blues forward Cameron Murray, Westpac NSW Blues Women’s captain Isabelle Kelly and centre Jess Sergis, and Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service crew members in attendance.
The Westpac NSW Blues reclaimed the Ampol State of Origin Shield after becoming only the fourth team in Origin history to win a decider at Suncorp Stadium, while the Westpac NSW Blues Women made history after becoming the first women’s team to win a series 3-0.
13 tries scored by the Westpac NSW Blues, as well as 7 tries scored by the Westpac NSW Blues Women, meant $65,000 and $35,000 was donated respectively by Westpac. Queensland raised $85,000 from their respective men’s and women’s Origin teams to take the grand total from this year to $185,000.
The donation will help fund essential equipment, training and operational resources for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, which provides critical search and rescue and emergency response services in NSW.
“The Westpac NSW Blues and Westpac NSW Blues Women are proud that their performances on the field are helping support such an important community service,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“Every try scored throughout the series has contributed to the critical work of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service and its crews across NSW.
“Tries for Lives adds another layer of meaning to Origin. It gives our players, members and fans another reason to celebrate every try, knowing it is helping make a difference off the field.”
Westpac State General Manager for NSW Jason Stephens said: “State of Origin brings out enormous pride and passion across NSW like few other events can, and Tries for Lives gives every try an impact that extends well beyond the field.
“We're proud that the success of the Blues and Blues Women has translated into meaningful support for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service. Every dollar donated by Westpac helps keep crews ready to respond when people need them most, whether that’s at the beach, on the road, on a farm or in the bush.
“This initiative is a powerful example of what great partnerships can achieve, bringing together sport, community and lifesaving support in a way that delivers real impact.”
Shane Daw, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service Southern NSW General Manager said: “We’re extremely grateful to Westpac and NSWRL for their ongoing support through Tries for Lives.
“This donation will directly support our crews and operations, helping ensure we have the equipment, training and resources needed to respond quickly and safely when the community needs us.
“The Service is there for people in some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and support like this helps us continue to provide that emergency response.”
Since launching in 2023, Tries for Lives has generated $615,000 in funding support for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, reinforcing Westpac's commitment to supporting communities through its partnerships with NSW Rugby League, the NRL, Queensland Rugby League and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service.
