“Isolation’s a big thing. The helicopter makes the big cities come to us pretty quick,” lodge secretary Laurence Burdekin said.

“Members have had relatives and friends that have used the service.”

Chairman of the local Westpac Rescue Helicopter Support Group Ken Harrison said the Inverell district was one of the highest users of the service, and that funding from local groups was essential.

“We’re lucky we get that support,” he said.

Carrying a full team of medical professionals, the helicopters regularly provide hospital transfers, and in severe cases, airlift patients from the sites of accidents. Not even a year old, Mr Harrison said the new AW139 aircraft is faster and bigger than the previous model. 

He said the support group raised around $60,000 last year to help keep the service in the air.

The lodge members were proud to put their funds toward the helicopter, raised through raffles and entry fees. Mr Burdekin said the group loved to support various local causes.

“Whenever we get enough money, we donate it,” he said.

With a history spanning more than 60 years, Mr Burdekin said the lodge welcomed new members.

“It’s a bunch of men that meet every second Saturday and have a few beers and a bit of a laugh and raise a bit of money for the community,” he said.

“It’s a good little outlet for men to go and talk.”

The support group is also keen to keep growing, and would love to see more locals help raise funds for the chopper service. To learn more about the group, call the secretary Dot Cattell on 6722 3266. 

For more information on the Tingha Buffalo Lodge, contact Laurence Burdekin on 0427 356 679.