The Liberal National Government will invest $700,000 to help sick young people and their families living in rural and regional NSW gain greater access to medical services in city centres.
Government funding will be provided to Bankstown-based charity Little Wings, a not for profit organisation that provides air transport services, to purchase additional aircraft to expand their reach.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Australian Government was committed to ensuring Australian families can get the right support, when and where they need it.
“This funding will help regional children and their families during tough times,” Minister Hunt said.
“No child’s health should be disadvantaged because of where they live, which is why this funding is so important. It will allow more kids and their families from regional areas to access important health services only available in Sydney.”
“This funding commitment is just another example of the Liberal National Governments pledge to support health services in NSW,” Minister Hunt said.
With new modern aircraft, Little Wings will not only be able to increase the number of flights they make annually from 400 to 600, but they will also be able to provide a more comfortable and safe journey for sick patients.
Member for Banks, David Coleman, welcomed the announcement and said the funding boost would help a critically important community service provider.
“Little Wings is a great local charity, they do important work not only here in the southern-Bankstown area, but also across the entire state,” Mr Coleman said.
“I’m proud to have been able to secure this much-needed funding – it will go a long way in supporting children across NSW when they need it most.”
Ms Richelle Koller, the CEO of Little Wings, has described the positive impact the funding will have for regional families, as well as the organisation itself.
“Thanks to this funding, we will now be able to make an even greater difference to the lives of so many young children and their families who are faced with unimaginable circumstances,” Ms Koller said.
Established in 2012, Little Wings conducts its operations out of Bankstown Airport and has transported more than 3, 500 patients and their families in this time.
The Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.
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