The Rescue Helicopter Support Group’s John Landers said the amount was on a par with last year’s, and the event attracted a good crowd who enjoyed themselves immensely.

There were several representatives from the service who travelled up from Lismore for the dinner, which again featured an entertaining auction of goods donated by local businesses.

“Auctioneers Ben Johnston and Matt Duff did a great job entertaining the crowd while at the same time getting a quid out of them,” Mr Landers said.

This is somewhat demonstrated by the $65 bottle of scotch which went home to Stanthorpe for $220, and various $100 meat trays that were purchased for $160 in spirited bidding.

The 38 items that went under the hammer, and Mr Landers extended his thanks to all the generous businesses and individuals around town who donated items for the auction. They included an old 45rpm record of Lindsay Butler from 1972, one of his earliest recordings from when he was touring with Slim Dusty. Margaret Cooper nabbed it for $100, due to her sister Val Ross also being featured in the recording.

Sad to say Mrs Cooper doesn’t own a record player but is hoping to borrow one in order to listen to her new purchase. She also plans to take the record with her when she visits her sister in Coffs Harbour, as Val doesn’t have a copy.

Mr Landers said the meal provided by the Greenview Restaurant was exceptionally good and well presented, and everyone was happy with the meal. Five dollars of its cost was also donated back to the fundraiser.