Hunter Valley Ride Smashes Record for Rescue Helicopter

The Paxton Ride has shattered records in 2025, raising the largest single-year total in its 19-year history for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

This year’s ride eclipsed the 2024 total of $75,000, cementing 2025 as the biggest fundraising year in the history of the event.

In total, the Paxton Ride has now contributed more than $243,000 to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, a vital operation that provides lifesaving assistance across regional New South Wales.

Across the two-day event, 92 motorcyclists rode from the Central Coast, weaving through state forests before finishing in the Hunter Valley. Riders were united by both their passion for motorcycling and their commitment to supporting the rescue service that so many communities rely upon.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service plays a crucial role in emergency response, often being the difference between life and death in critical situations. Events like the Paxton Ride ensure the service remains well-supported, with every dollar raised directly helping to keep the helicopters in the air.

With 19 years of success and growing participation, the Paxton Ride continues to stand out as a key community fundraiser in the Hunter Valley region. Organisers and participants alike celebrated this year’s milestone, proud to be part of a record-breaking chapter in the event’s history.