Joe's Story

Joe Slupik was a passionate supporter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and left a lasting impact on the local community through his generosity, hard work and willingness to help wherever he could.

In 1990, following the Angel One community appeal to purchase the Service’s first twin engine aircraft, the SA365 C3 Dauphin, Joe recognised the need for a suitable facility to protect the aircraft from the weather and support the growing Service.

What followed was a remarkable community effort.

Joe rallied support from friends, suppliers and local businesses, donating his own time, labour and expertise to help construct the Service’s first hangar at the Broadmeadow base. Through the generosity of those involved and Joe’s tireless dedication to the project, the hangar was completed at no cost to the Service.

The facility was later named in his honour, becoming known as the “Joe Slupik Hangar”, a lasting reminder of what community spirit and generosity can achieve when people come together for a shared cause.

Joe’s contribution reflected the very heart of what the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service represents, a service built on community support, connection and people willing to step forward to help others.

Even after his passing, Joe’s legacy continues to inspire those around him and remains an important part of the story behind this event.

The Legacy Today

Before his passing, Joe’s passion for supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service left a lasting impression on many people, including close friend Tracy Wood.

Inspired by Joe’s dedication to the Service and the community spirit behind his work, Tracy created the Joe Slupik Charity Golf Day to continue that legacy and bring the community together in support of an organisation that continues to make a difference across our region every day.

What began as a way to honour Joe’s contribution has grown into a meaningful community event supported by local businesses, volunteers, sponsors and participants who all share the same desire to give back.

Led by Tracy and a dedicated team of volunteers, the event has already raised almost $70,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Norther NSW. What initially was a tribute to Joe has become a lasting legacy, with each year's event building on the generosity of the local community.

Today, the Joe Slupik Charity Golf Day is about more than golf. It is about community, generosity and continuing the spirit of giving that Joe embodied throughout his life.

Each year, the event proudly brings people together to support a service that has supported countless families and communities across the region.