The service conducts more than 500 drugs tests on site and at their Mackay Airport facility each month, has made a record profit and donation of AUD$170,000 this year despite the Covid-19 pandemic and a forced short-term closure.

As a subsidiary business of Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service Ltd, all proceeds from the drug and alcohol testing service are used to fund the region’s rescue helicopter service, RACQ CQ Rescue.

The drug testing service was established in 2010 and has since fostered very strong partnerships with businesses throughout Mackay, the Bowen Basin and Whitsundays.

The annual donation to RACQ CQ Rescue has grown substantially from $50,000 in 2018 to $170,000 this year. Last year, the testing service donated $140,000 to the helicopter rescuers.

CQ Rescue Health Business Manager Samantha O’Neill said the business had benefitted from 108 new clients this financial year, increasing their client base to about 400 organizations across varying industries including mine sites, family-owned businesses and labor-hire companies.

A no-appointment necessary approach, plus the incentive that all proceeds are directed back to the community-funded rescue helicopter were reasons for the increase in clients.

“Not only is drug testing mandatory, but it also helps improve the safety, productivity, health and efficiency of a workforce,” O’Neill said.

“All proceeds from CQ Rescue Health Services are used to fund the region’s rescue helicopter, so that’s an enormous incentive for both employers and employees to come to us for all their drug and alcohol testing needs,” she added.

“By using our testing services, you are directly helping fund a vital, lifesaving community service. It’s another way that the people can help support the service in what has been testing times for many businesses in this region.”

CQ Rescue Health Services is accredited by NATA with all testing being conducted by certified drug and alcohol testing technicians who have undergone extensive training.