The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) is on the hunt for a new CEO following Richard Jones OAM’s decision to stand down.
It’s believed the popular chief executive officer informed the board it was “time to hand over the reins” after 27 years at the helm of the organisation.
Most people throughout the community know Mr Jones suffered a recent health scare, which forced him to reassess – and take a back seat with – his WRHS commitments.
The good news, however, is that he won’t be lost to the service altogether.
He’ll step into a different role as head of community engagement, which will capitalise on his strengths, passion and advocacy.
“Leading this incredible aviation service and working closely with local people has always been incredibly rewarding for me,” Mr Jones said.
“In my time, the WRHS has grown from a small operation into a highly-professional charity, delivering world-class aeromedical and rescue services while operating from three helicopter bases and our heavy maintenance, training and administrative facility, servicing the whole of Northern NSW.”
Chairman John Davis also praised Mr Jones.
“Our operations have evolved continually during Richard’s leadership,” he said.
“His passion and dedication have been tremendous; and he has always kept our community’s needs at the forefront of every decision.
“We reluctantly but respectfully accepted his recommendation… and will now undertake a national search for his replacement.
“We’ve been extremely fortunate to have had such an incredibly genuine leader for the past 27 years.”
Prior to joining the WRHS, Mr Jones played first grade rugby league for the St George Dragons in the 1980s before returning to Newcastle to link up with the South Newcastle Lions.
He spent time with the Singleton Greyhounds, too, winning a Group 21 premiership.
But, an injury saw his playing days cease and commentary days begin.
Mr Jones started working alongside NBN’s Mike Rabbit and former Newcastle Knights coach Allan McMahon, who at the time was running the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
One day, the mentor shared that he was leaving his job.
So, Mr Jones thought “I might have a go at that” and the rest was history.
It was in November 1995 that he began his role as GM and, for more than half of Westpac’s existence, he was at the controls, steering the ship.
Throughout his career, he oversaw many significant changes.
Mr Jones led a successful tender into NSW Government to win a 10-year contract for the Rescue Helicopter to deliver world-class aeromedical services to the communities of Northern NSW.
He administered the introduction of four new AW139 choppers and development of two new bases at Belmont and Lismore and extensions at Tamworth.
COVID-19 also posed many challenges.
However, Mr Jones is proud to have witnessed a high-degree of patience and resilience over that period.
“All departments worked exceptionally well together to get through it,” he said.
“I’m delighted our aeromedical response capability continued to be available 24/7 for our community.
“For me, it’s never felt like a job.”
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