A special ceremony has been held on Thursday Island to bless two emergency medical service helicopters which serve remote communities across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula.
Adorned with instantly recognisable “dragonfly” livery, the state-of-the-art Leonardo AW139 helicopters form the centrepiece of the Lagaw Kuyup Rescue Service, which recently commenced operation thought the joint endeavour of Babcock Australasia (Babcock) and Queensland Health.
Since entering service earlier this year the two helicopters have collectively flown 128 missions, totalling more than 200 flight hours.
The blessing at Thursday Island Hospital brought together local community leaders, Indigenous elders, religious figures, health representatives and members of Babcock’s aviation team, to formally celebrate the arrival of the aircraft and honour the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Led by Father Tom Stephen, the blessing aims to invoke a shared appeal for guidance, protection and good fortune for the aircraft, its crews and the people it carries.
Babcock has proudly served the Torres Strait community for more than 27 years, where it continues to foster strong relationships and support the preservation of cultural identity and traditions. Tomorrow, Babcock aircrews will fly world-renowned Indigenous artist and Torres Strait Islander Alick Tipoti—who created the striking livery on the aircraft—to his home island of Badu, where he will present the aircraft to the local community.
Babcock’s investment in the region also extends to local initiatives including sponsorship of the Torres Strait NAIDOC Week Awards, and the recruitment of a local apprentice at its Horn Island base—demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to community development.
Babcock Australasia Managing Director Aviation & Critical Services Duncan Milne said:
“Today’s blessing honours the traditions of the Torres Strait. It reinforces community unity and the sense of shared purpose among everyone who works on this service.”
“Our new helicopter service is not just about providing advanced aeromedical support. It’s a promise to be there when it matters most.”
“We are immensely proud of our partnership with Queensland Health and we remain dedicated to building a long-lasting relationship with the island communities of the Torres Strait and ensuring quality emergency care is never out of reach.”
Retrieval Services Queensland Executive Director Dr Mark Elcock said:
“Today’s blessing brought together multiple people and organisations who have shared and collectively pursued a vision to ensure that the Torres Strait communities and patients have long term access to the latest rescue helicopter capability. It was a celebration of achievement, connection, culture and community.”
“This investment in the Lagaw Kuyup Rescue Service reaffirms Queensland Health’s commitment to supporting the health care of communities in this unique part of Queensland.”
