NEW WESTPAC RESCUE CHOPPER TOUCHES DOWN

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter service welcomed the first of four new helicopters today at its Newcastle base.
The $16 million Augusta aircraft, will undergo a medical fit-out and intensive training phase for crews.
The new helicopters will be stationed at Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore at upgraded bases.
With a cruising speed of more than 300 kilometres an hour and a range of over a thousand kilometres, the aircraft are considered the cutting edge of aero medical technology.