In May 2021, in the heart o f Northern Southland, the community of Lumsden were set to achieve something extraordinary. The Lumsden Helipad, now a vital lifeline for Northern Southland residents, owes its existence to an unexpected yet inspiring beginning.
The idea started in an unassuming setting— a volunteer fire brigade meeting. Local resident and rescue helipad project volunteer Owen Patterson, one of the driving forces behind the project, recalls the moment. “The idea just came up during a routine discussion one night,” he says with a smile. “Before we knew it, it was all happening.”
Cara Colquhoun, a passionate volunteer and secretary of the project explains, “At the time, there was no designated landing area for the rescue helicopter in Lumsden. The helicopter had been landing on a grassy patch near the emergency services building, but this setup was limiting, especially during the wet and snowy winter months. Transporting patients across the uneven grass became increasingly hazardous. The need for a safe, dedicated landing pad with private access was clear”.
What started as a simple idea quickly evolved into a complex project. Cara and Owen reflect on the journey with a mix of pride and relief. “It was one thing to have the idea,” Cara says, “but we soon faced unexpected roadblocks.”
The journey was not smooth. Securing permissions from the council, trying to find money for unexpected costs, navigating changing regulations, and forming a Trust were just some of the hurdles the team encountered. The project, which took three years to complete, required not only financial resources but an enormous commitment of time and energy from local volunteers.
“The subcommittee dedicated countless hours to fundraising,” Cara notes. “We raised $80,000 to make the helipad project a reality.” This was made possible through tireless efforts and community support.
“The community was incredibly supportive and excited,” Owen adds. “We were approached almost daily by people asking about the progress and how they could help. It was clear that this project mattered to everyone.
The final hurdle came in the form of funding. “The $14,000 grant from Community Trust South was a lifeline,” Cara recalls. “We had nearly exhausted all our options, and this grant was a huge relief. It meant everything to us.”
The project’s completion is a source of immense pride and relief for the tight knit community. As the first rescue helicopter landed on the helipad for the official opening in April 2024, it symbolised not just a physical structure but a symbol of safety for the entire community of Lumsden and will benefit countless lives for years to come. “Seeing this project come to fruition, despite all the challenges, has been incredibly humbling,” Owen says.
