An upgraded Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter makes its debut in Moruya

Moruya has been home base for the iconic red and yellow chopper since 2010.

The aircraft services a huge South Coast region from the Victorian border to Jervis Bay and inland to Mount Kosciuszko.

The aircraft was recently kitted out with state-of-the-art technology, enhanced communications and new avionics in a $5 million refurbishment.

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Surf Life Saving Australia general manager coastal safety Shane Daw was excited about Lifesaver 23's new capabilities.

"We work closely with the police, the ambulance service and the SES, so this helicopter is an essential part of this community," he said.

"It's about being there for the community to ensure lives are protected where possible."

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The upgraded helicopter has already been called out for duty, including to a false alarm triggered by a discarded EPIRB at Surf Beach tip.

In 2020, Westpac Lifesaver 23 performed more than 50 missions, and in the recent summer season it was sent to 65 missions.

These ranged from rescues of swimmers, rock fisherman, and boat and craft users, to conducting search and rescue missions for missing persons along the coast and in bushland.

Helicopter crews also provided assistance during the 2019/20 fires and recent floods.

The upgraded chopper features a state-of-the-art communications panel as well as winch devices to help respond to situations the previous aircraft was not equipped to do.

Surf NSW Far South Coast Branch director of life saving, Cheryl McCarthy, said it was essential to access support from the sky.

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"We have such a large area to cover and so much of it is remote, so having the ability to have these guys in the air working with us is really critical," she said.

"Every time you get a new piece of equipment, which has some new tools to increase your capability, is fantastic. Every little bit that helps you do your job more efficiently or safely is a great advantage."

The helicopter service is sponsored by Westpac bank and the state government provides funding support, but Mr Daw said the service also heavily relied on donations: "Every time we go out, it's going to cost around $5-6000 per hour so community donations help keep this aircraft down here in Moruya and keep it flying."

"No one who's ever been rescued or assisted by the Westpac Lifesaver 23 has had to pay for that service. We provide it free to the community," he said.