Lumsden’s new helipad was officially opened in a ceremony at its Hero Street site, behind the local fire station, on Sunday (28 Apr).

The $70,000 Northern Southland project was the culmination of three years work and community fundraising, driven by project committee members Owen Patterson, Cara Colquhon, and Tom Clark.

Around 150 people attended the opening as the ribbon was cut by Lumsden Four Square owners Greg and Corrina Tither.

The Tither's donation of $16,000 had paid for the concrete. $10,000 was also donated by the Southland District Council (SDC).

Fire brigades from Lumsden, Dipton, Mossburn and Athol, St John Ambulance and an Otago Southland rescue helicopter also attended.

SDC Mayor Rob Scott said the helipad would be a magnificent asset for Northern Southland that will no doubt save lives.

“The end result is awesome.”

“Not only does it provide a safe and effective way to transport patients to the helicopter over a nice concrete footpath rather than grass, it also provides much-needed privacy for the patients.”

Lumsden has been included on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight path, which allows pilots to fly via instruments in bad weather where they have little or no visibility.

The new helipad has special lighting as well to aid in this, and has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.