CQ Rescue Calls On Community Support As Demand Continues To Rise

To help keep this vital service in the sky, residents are encouraged to support the 2026 Annual Appeal. Every dollar counts and could be the difference in someone’s life. Photo source: BMA CQ Rescue

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After its busiest year on record and more than 300 missions already completed in 2026, BMA CQ Rescue is calling on Mackay and surrounding communities to help ensure the region's rescue helicopter service remains ready for the next emergency.

The community-funded organisation this week launched its 2026 Annual Appeal, aiming to raise $280,000 to help offset rising operational costs and maintain its around-the-clock rescue capability.

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Based in Mackay, BMA CQ Rescue provides critical aeromedical, search and rescue, and emergency response services across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Demand for the service continues to grow. In 2025, crews responded to a record 778 missions and flew more than 339,000 kilometres across Central and North Queensland. So far this year, they have already completed more than 300 lifesaving flights.

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Chief Executive Officer Tim Healee said every mission represented a family facing one of the most challenging moments of their lives.

“For 30 years, our crews have answered the call without hesitation, no matter the time, weather, or how remote the location,” Mr Healee said.

“But every mission relies on the strength of our community. There will always be another accident, another medical emergency, another family needing help fast. And when that call comes, we must be ready.”

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While government funding supports part of the service, BMA CQ Rescue must still raise almost $7 million from the community each year to continue operating.

The 2026 appeal centres on the story of 13-year-old Tallis Anderson, who suffered critical injuries in a serious motorbike accident near Moranbah.

When the emergency call came through, BMA CQ Rescue crews responded rapidly, providing urgent medical care before transporting Tallis to Mackay for specialist treatment.

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For his family, the helicopter's arrival was a moment they will never forget.

“You don't realise how precious they are until something like that happens,” Tallis' father Ryan said.

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Today, Tallis continues his recovery surrounded by family, something his parents believe may not have been possible without the quick response of the rescue crew.

Mr Healee said Tallis' story highlighted why community support remains so important.

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“The people who need us tomorrow don't know it yet, but when that moment comes, our communities support means we can be there,” he said.

This year's appeal also marks 30 years of service for the rescue organisation, which has become a vital lifeline for regional communities where distance can often mean the difference between life and death.

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Operating 365 days a year, the service now flies further and faster than ever before, thanks to its fleet of AW139 rescue helicopters. However, officials say continued community support remains essential to ensuring crews can respond whenever the next call for help comes.

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Community members can support the appeal by donating through the BMA CQ Rescue website via www.cqrescue.org.au.

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