This National Volunteer Week (NVW), CapRescue is proudly celebrating the vital role of its StepUp Volunteers in Connecting Communities to world-class aeromedical services across Central Queensland.
NVW 2025, running from 19–25 May, shines a spotlight on how volunteering connects people, strengthens communities, and creates a better future for everyone.
For CapRescue, volunteers are an essential part of this connection — dedicating their time and skills to support fundraising, community engagement, and events that help ensure lifesaving rescue operations can continue, at no cost to patients.
Longstanding StepUp Volunteer Program supporter, Thiess, has been behind the program since 2017, recognising the crucial role community volunteers play in sustaining CapRescue’s 24/7 aeromedical service.
“Our partnership with CapRescue reflects Thiess’ commitment to supporting the safety and resilience of the communities where we live and work. Through the StepUp Volunteer Program, we’re proud to support a vital service that delivers critical care and connection across regional Queensland, strengthening community wellbeing and creating real social value.” — Eliza-Jane Young, Senior Advisor, Community, Diversity & Inclusion, Australia East, Thiess.
Throughout the week, CapRescue is celebrating the impact of its volunteers, highlighting how their support helps connect communities to critical care. This year, volunteer Kay Salmond shares her personal story of why giving back to CapRescue is so important to her. Kay became a volunteer after her husband Geoff was seriously injured in a four-wheeler accident on a rural property south of Rockhampton.
“Having lived and worked in rural areas for much of my life, I have a very personal connection to the vital role services like CapRescue play,” Kay said. “You think you’ll never need it — until you do. If it weren’t for CapRescue, the outcome for my husband could have been very different. Volunteering is my way of giving back and helping to ensure others can be connected to this lifesaving service when they need it most.”
CapRescue CEO Darren Pirie said National Volunteer Week was an opportunity to highlight the unseen efforts that help keep the service flying. “Whilst our volunteers don’t perform the rescues, they are essential in making them possible,” Mr Pirie said. “Their work behind the scenes helps ensure CapRescue remains ready to respond to emergencies across regional and rural areas every day of the year.”
We are incredibly grateful to Thiess for their long-term support of the StepUp Volunteer Program, and to every volunteer who chooses to support CapRescue. You are part of every life saved.
With roles to suit all interests and schedules — from event assistance to administration — CapRescue invites more locals to StepUp and be part of the rescue community.