We are proud to contribute to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Wills Days on Monday 28th March and Wednesday 30th March. Attwood Marshall Lawyers Wills and Estates and Family Law Department Manager Donna Tolley discusses the imperative work of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service and why Attwood Marshall Lawyers value partnering with this vital charity to deliver community Wills days.
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service – helping keep Australians safe since 1975
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service is one of the oldest community-based helicopter rescue services globally. The service has been helping Australians when they need it most since it was founded in 1975. More than 80,000 missions have been performed, and over 300 rescue professionals and volunteers make up the service’s national operation. Today, 13 bases operate and 15 aircraft, and one rescue boat across Australia.
Their crews draw upon extensive experience and training to respond to missions for those who are injured or requiring urgent specialist care.
From flights for babies who are just minutes old to people requiring medical treatment or trauma assistance, search and rescue missions, or to winch extractions from rugged terrain or inaccessible areas. This service is particularly close to my heart, with my daughter requiring their service a few years ago.
As the service has advanced, so too has its model of funding its operations, a unique combination of government and community funding. For over 45 years, the people in our community, the Westpac Bank and the Government have ensured that rescue helicopters can continue to provide the highest aeromedical and rescue services to those in need.
It costs approximately $40 million each year to keep the helicopters and crews ready to respond. Approximately $12 million of that cost is raised through sponsorships, volunteers, support group activities, events, and partnerships with the community.
The service has been shaped by local communities, for local communities.
What is Wills Week?
Over 70 lawyers across Northern New South Wales and Southeast Queensland donate their time to support the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service’s annual ‘Wills Week’ initiative, which will be taking place from 28th March to 1st April 2022.
During this week, the public book an appointment to see a lawyer to obtain advice regarding having a simple Will drafted. The usual booking fees, which for these types of consultations are around $200, are donated in full to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service. When attending a Wills Day, people are getting the benefit of a professionally drafted Will at a substantially reduced price while also supporting a service that saves lives and contributes significantly to their local community.
The service sincerely appreciates everyone’s support and is honoured by the gifts of legacy that many people choose to also include in their Wills to the service which helps them continue saving lives across Australia.
A bequest is a deeply personal decision. The impact that a bequest can make, no matter how big or small it may be, is profound.
If you choose to leave a bequest to a charity or organisation in your Will, a qualified estate planning lawyer can ensure you draft your wish properly and your testamentary intentions will be fulfilled.
Ultimately, your support and participation in a Wills Day helps save local lives.
The importance of having a Will
Over 52% of people either don’t have a Will or haven’t updated their Will in a long time. No matter what the worth of your estate may be, everyone over the age of 18 should have a Will to protect their wishes, their family, and any gifts they intend to leave to their loved ones.
Not having a valid Will can be both financially and emotionally distressing for the loved ones left behind after you die.
Some of the pertinent reasons to have a Will:
- You decide how your estate will be distributed and who will benefit
- A Will makes it easier for your spouse or children to make arrangements for your funeral and to honour your wishes
- You have the ability to appoint your Executors and to choose someone that you trust to uphold your wishes and competently administer your estate
- Reduce the risk of disputes between the loved ones you leave behind
- Appoint guardians for infant children or dependants so that you know they will be taken care of
- Avoid expensive estate administration processes and delays where there is no Will
- Mitigate the risk of someone contesting your estate after you are gone, and draining your estate in costly litigation
- Establish a gift or donation to a deserving charity that you are passionate about supporting.
When is the next Community Wills Week?
Attwood Marshall Lawyers have been taking part in Community Wills Weeks for over 15 years.
On Tuesday 3rd May at our Coolangatta office and Wednesday 4th May at our Robina Town Centre office, we will be hosting Community Wills Days and supporting the Australian Cancer Research Foundation to help raise vital funds for cancer research.
Bookings are essential and fill up fast.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers – Dedicated to supporting the community
Attwood Marshall Lawyers are very proud to be associated with so many respected and long-standing charities that align with our intent to help people and change their lives for the better.
If you would like to know more about any of our Wills Weeks or would like to discuss your estate planning needs with one of our experienced Wills and Estates Lawyers, please contact our Wills and Estates Department Manager Donna Tolley on direct line (07) 5506 8241, email dtolley@attwoodmarshall.com.au or free call 1800 621 071 any time. You are also able to book an appointment with our lawyers online at your convenience.
Click here to read more about the charities and clubs Attwood Marshall Lawyers support.
Read more articles about Wills & Estate Planning:
Estate planning for young people: Why Generation Z and Millennials should write a Will
Choosing the right executor for your Will is a crucial decision and one that requires careful thought and consideration
The issue of testamentary capacity when making your Will
