Chopper lands at St Patrick’s College

St Patrick’s College has today welcomed a very special visitor with a massive firefighting helicopter landing on the Hill Oval.

The Sikorsky S61N Type 1 Helicopter flew into Ballarat from its Australia base in Mansfield after spending most of this summer fighting the horrific Gippsland fires which terrorised so many communities.

Originally from Canada, the helicopter is visiting the College as a major drawcard for tomorrow’s (Saturday, February 29) Walking Off the War Within event which is expected to attract hundreds of people to the College in an effort to raise money for and awareness of mental illness, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Those who have registered for the event will have the opportunity to enjoy a super close-up look at the helicopter and may even be lucky enough to step aboard.

If you haven’t yet registered, it is not too late.

Registrations are available on the day or by visiting www.walkoffww.com

Registration is simple. Pay $0, $10 or $25 for your registration or make a donation.

Money made through ticket sales helps cover event costs with proceeds going directly to agencies that support men’s mental health, particularly Soldier On, Lifeline and Survivors of Suicide.

The event starts from 9am with participants having the opportunity to walk as many laps as they like around a scenic 2km course around the College grounds.

The ultimate challenge is to walk 2okm while carry 20kg.

We look forward to seeing you there.