Four new crew members are beginning the next chapter of their aviation rescue journeys with CapRescue, bringing with them a wealth of experience from emergency services, aviation, search and rescue, and public service roles across Australia.
Rescue Crew Officers (RCO) Lachlan Field, Will Sincich and Chloe Lamb, alongside newly qualified Air Crew Officer (ACO) Matthew O’Brien, have joined the Rescue300 crew supporting Central Queensland.
While each has taken a different path to CapRescue, they share a common passion for helping others and a commitment to serving our community.
Lachlan Field joins CapRescue after 14 years as a lifeguard, where he gained extensive experience in aquatic rescues and search and rescue operations. Throughout that time, he regularly worked alongside rescue helicopters and always hoped to one day be part of an air crew himself.
“When the opportunity came up to join CapRescue, I jumped at it,” Lachlan said.
Working with a professional and dedicated team that delivers real outcomes across the region was one of the aspects of the role that attracted him most.
Former Victorian forest firefighter Will Sincich also brings extensive emergency response experience to the team. During his time in fire and forest management, he worked closely with aviation aircraft and gained experience on Bell 412 helicopters as part of Victoria’s helicopter rappel program.
Will said he was looking forward to the challenges and opportunities the position would provide while continuing a life dedicated to helping people through difficult times.
“I’ll enjoy the team environment and the close relationships you build with the people on base, as well as playing a part in a critical service for the region,” he said.
Few people can list flight attendant, Army Reserve soldier, firefighter and surf lifesaver on the same résumé, but those experiences have helped shape Chloe Lamb’s path to CapRescue.
After building a diverse career in New South Wales, Chloe said the opportunity to work in aviation rescue had long been an aspiration.
“This unique intersection of aviation and emergency response aligns strongly with my skills and passion,” she said.
What has already stood out to Chloe is the connection between CapRescue and the people it serves.
“We are here to support our community and the community, in turn, supports us just as much,” she said.
Matthew O’Brien’s journey into rescue aviation began following a boating incident that sparked his interest in the industry. After starting out as an RCO in 2022, Matthew has completed his Air Crew conversion, building on the skills and experience he has gained.
“Working as part of a highly skilled crew while helping people when they are most in need is what I enjoy most about the role,” Matthew said.
Fellow team member Sam McLean has also recently completed his Air Crew Officer training after joining CapRescue as an RCO in 2024.
“This has been a natural next step for me since joining the team,” Sam said.
“There’s a lot to learn, but it’s been rewarding to build new skills and gain a broader understanding of the operation and how we work together to support patients.”
Babcock Australia & New Zealand Touring Check and Training Aircrew Officer Mark Connery said the goal was to build on each trainee’s existing foundations, refining their skills to meet the high standard required for aeromedical and rescue operations.
“For an instructor, the greatest reward is seeing a former trainee confidently carrying out a rescue and knowing they have made the transition from student to trusted crew member.”
The recent qualifications reflect CapRescue’s ongoing investment in developing highly skilled aircrew, with the training program supported through a partnership with Glencore.
CapRescue Acting CEO Kirsty Wooler said investing in people was critical to maintaining the service the region relies on.
“As we mark our 30th anniversary year, it’s a reminder that the service exists today because of the people, organisations and supporters who have invested in it over the past three decades,” Ms Wooler said.
“The community relies on CapRescue to be there when people need help, whether that’s in regional centres, rural properties, on the coast or in remote locations. Developing skilled crew members is essential to ensuring that service remains available long into the future.
“It’s encouraging to see people with such varied backgrounds choosing to build their lives in Central Queensland and become part of the next chapter of CapRescue’s story.”
As they settle into their new roles and life in Central Queensland, the new recruits are already gaining an appreciation for both the region and the service’s unique place within it.
One fact that has stood out during their introduction to the organisation is the sheer size of the area CapRescue supports. Covering a region comparable to the size of Germany, the service provides a vital link for people living across Central Queensland’s vast and diverse landscape.
With support from government, industry partners and local supporters, CapRescue continues to develop the next generation of aviation rescue professionals who will help safeguard the region for years to come.