IN 1975 a unique community asset was created to provide bird's-eye beach patrols for the Newcastle Surf Life Saving Association during the summer months.
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Once a weekend the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service did a beach patrol.
To this day the service's four helicopters maintain the surf lifesaving movement's trademark yellow and red and work as part of the NSW emergency care chain to assist more than 1000 people each year.
More than half a million people have been assisted by members of surf lifesaving across the nation.
In the Hunter, the surf lifesaving association has 13 clubs.
Best known for their surf rescue skills, the club's volunteers also provide support services that range from radio operations and first aid to administration and fund-raising.
This unique partnership between the service and Hunter surf clubs has also produced a successful community event, Ducks 4 Dollars, that has raised more than $600,000.
Created in 2004, the fund-raiser culminates in a rubber duck race at Newcastle Harbour on Australia Day (January 26) and asks local people and businesses to adopt a duck.
On the day, two heats of adopted ducks are released into Newcastle Harbour where they float with the tide across a 200-metre course for line honours and prizes.
Ducks are $5 each for the individual duck race with cash prizes up to $1500 up for grabs.
Corporate ducks are $100 each and business can win prizes including a Newcastle Jets game corporate box at Hunter Stadium for 12 people, lunch for four people at a Newcastle Jockey Club race meeting, a Moonshadow cruise in Port Stephens for 10 people, and a helicopter pilot simulation experience for four people.
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service business manager Chad Griffith said Ducks 4 Dollars was a highlight event on Australia Day.
"There will be a lot of fun with ducks on the harbour again this year but there are very serious messages behind this fun," Mr Griffith said.
"Many lives have been saved during the summer months by the skill and commitment of lifesavers and rescue helicopter crews.
"The money that is raised by the ducks floating on the harbour help fund the training and the equipment our people need to help protect the community."
The event is supported by Westpac, McGrath, The Newcastle Herald, The Star, NBN Television, Colourpac, Newcastle Jockey Club, Hunter Sports Group and Moonshadow Cruises.
