Bendigo to the rescue

WE have all seen the familiar red and yellow colouring of the Australian Aerial Patrol keeping watch over our beaches.

Now courtesy of a three year sponsorship deal, worth $70 000 per year to the Aerial Patrol, Bendigo Bank have secured naming rights on the Aerial Patrol aircraft.

Five local Community Bank branches joined with their parent company Bendigo Bank to help the Illawarra and South Coast community operations of the Aerial Patrol keep beachgoers safe.

The Aerial Patrol can be spotted all along the coast from Stanwell Park to Mollymook.

The Aerial Patrol was formed almost 50 years ago as a joint initiative of North Wollongong Surf Club and Wollongong City Council.

Aerial Patrol General Manager said the new sponsorship deal with Bendigo Bank would ensure this vital services longevity in the Illawarra. While known predominately for their shark spotting prowess the Aerial Patrol also comes to the communities aid in a number of other areas including early detection of bushfires, supply dropping, life raft dropping and recreational boating accidents. They also play a part in helping the Coast Guard and Water Patrol.

Community Bank Chairman Greg Egan said the new deal would allow the Aerial Patrol to continue its vital service.

The Aerial Patrol is the protector of beachgoers, surfers, recreational boating and fishing enthusiasts along the popular southern coastline, he said.

We feel that the Aerial Patrol is a vital service and could save a life. It is very hard to put a price on a life, we see this sponsorship as priceless.

While officially on board for three years Mr Egan expressed a desire to keep Bendigo Banks sponsorship going well into the future, ensuring the Aerial Patrols financial security for years to come. With almost 50 highly skilled volunteers the Aerial Patrol is set to remain a familiar sight in our skies, now sporting the Bendigo Bank logo.

Former naming rights sponsor McDonalds is continuing its sponsorship of the Aerial Patrol in a secondary capacity.