More than two hundred people in mining services gathered to hear Sam Walsh AO speak at a charity sundowner for the RFDS in Kalgoorlie on the eve of the Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum on Sunday night.
The event which raised more than $110,000 was hosted by Topdrill, a Goldfields drilling services company with 25 rigs across WA that started from scratch 15 years ago. Owner Tim Topham said the RFDS was Topdrill’s charity of choice given the importance of the service to businesses and families in the region.
Set to become an annual event, helicopter rides were offered to guests as a unique incentive to donate in support of the RFDS’ efforts to vaccinate remote communities against COVID-19.
Mr Walsh, who has been Chairman of the RFDS WA Board since 2017, spoke about the importance of the RFDS to the resource sector and the peace of mind it offers executives who have a responsibility for their workers in some very remote locations.
“Our services are a lifeline for families and people living in our vast and remote regions who live day-to-day without access to health services most of us take for granted,” Mr Walsh said.
“If there has been a time when you have needed to call on the RFDS for help, you will know that sense of relief when that aircraft touches down with an experienced doctor and flight nurse on board.
“I am so very proud of the work the RFDS does right across WA. I know our crews are absolutely committed to ensuring the best possible care for our patients every day.
“On behalf of our crews and patients across the State, we cannot thank Angela and Tim Topham enough for leading this event and to all who donated in support of the RFDS’ vital work.”
Tim Topham said Topdrill was proud to host a fundraiser for the RFDS for the second year in a row, having last year raised $93,000 at the grand opening of their facility on the eve of Diggers and Dealers 2020.
“It is simply fantastic that the resource industry, our clients and friends of Topdrill supported our call to raise vital funds for the RFDS, our charity partner, to support their COVID-19 remote vaccination program,” he said.
“We were honored to host Sam Walsh and his wife Leanne and the RFDS team as well as Unicorn Risk, Emyjor Services and MLG Oz for their generous pledge and support of over $25,000 and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
