In a ceremony on Wednesday, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Support Group president Rusty Sargeant, treasurer Val Brown and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service chairman Cliff Marsh cut the ribbon and declared the helipad open.

The support group has been working on providing the community with a helipad for eight years.

“After years and years of preparing, to finally have it completed in Bulahdelah, we are really excited,” Ms Sargeant said.

Representatives from the community and emergency services attended the ceremony and later gathered at the Bulahdelah Bowling Club for lunch

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Presentations were made to Hunter Ready Mix Concrete, Abi Group, local concreter Rodney King and the Bulahdelah Bowling Club for their donations and support of the project.

A number of other residents received certificates of appreciation for their contribution.

“For us it is important to have a safe area and this one is very central.”

“The simple establishment of a rescue pad has given us further identity in the area,” Mr Marsh said.

The helipad means rescue helicopters will have a safe, dry place to land in wet conditions.

In the past there have been numerous problems with helicopters landing on the oval at Bulahdelah.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Support Group is now heading to Tea Gardens.

Land has been donated at a site in Spinifex Ave and the community is raising money to have the helipad built.