Although it’s free for those on-site, other campers coming to use the showground’s dump point (and topping up their water reserves) were balking at the $4 fee. The dump point costs the trust $490 a year, and of course the water runs through its metre.

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Showground caretaker Bev Harris came up with the idea to make the fee a donation to the helicopter service, and there have been no complaints since. In fact the onsite campers are also known to throw in some money for the facility, knowing it’s going to a good cause.

So while it’s actually the Showground Trust donating the money as the trust still bears the cost of the dump point and water, the community has happy campers and more funds to keep the chopper flying.

President Bruce Petrie said the trust is more than happy to support the rescue service, considering the showground is a site where accidents can happen, given that many events involved working with livestock and horseriding.

The donation comes just ahead of the Rescue Helicopter Support Group’s annual gala dinner at the Tenterfield Bowling Club on August 4, as the group’s fundraising year draws to a close. Group president Dodge Landers hopes to match if not exceed last year’s fundraising total.