First National Port Stephens Hosts a Successful Chopper Ball 2025 - Raising $61,390 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service

The much-anticipated Chopper Ball 2025 took the community by storm, raising an incredible $61,390 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The Vegas-themed event, hosted by First National Port Stephens, was a night filled with excitement, entertainment, and incredible generosity.

Thanks to the support of the incredible sponsors, including 4WD Tours R Us, House of Habitats, Specsavers Salamander Bay, Hunter Valley Concrete & Pumping Services, Shoal Bay Country Club, Tanilba Bay Automotive, Nelson Bay Radiator & Automotive Services, Footprints Podiatry, and The Wood Oven, the event was a resounding success and showcased the strength of the community.

Organised by Lucy Robson from First National Port Stephens, the evening offered a spectacular mix of entertainment, including showgirls, blackjack and roulette tables, scratchies, the 400 Club, and both live and silent auctions. The atmosphere was electric, as guests enjoyed the vibrant Vegas vibe while supporting a cause close to everyone’s hearts.

One of the evening's highlights was the Calypso Fishing Adventures game fish charter, which sold for a remarkable $10,000 at auction. Another unforgettable moment came with the auction of a signed Stephanie Gilmore surfboard. Originally purchased for $5,000, the surfboard was generously donated back to the ball by the winning bidder, House of Habitats. It was then sold to the underbidder for another $3,000, making a total of $8,000 raised for the cause.

Richard Jones, Head of Community Engagement at the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was present on the night, alongside the Westpac Support Group who worked the evening selling raffle tickets and fundraising items.

The generosity shown throughout the night was overwhelming, with over 40 local businesses contributing raffle and auction items, ensuring there was something for everyone. The community truly came together, with ticket holders digging deep to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, whose life-saving work is crucial to the region.

First National Port Stephens would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who attended and contributed, from sponsors to local businesses, volunteers, and guests. Your support ensures that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service can continue to provide emergency care and save lives across our region.

A special thank you to the Shoal Bay Country Club for their exceptional hospitality and for being such a key partner in making the evening a success. We are incredibly proud of the outcome, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in the years to come.

Thank you to our wonderful community for helping make the Chopper Ball 2025 a night to remember! See you next year!