LIVING in rural areas can be difficult, and one of the most essential services - medical access - can be hard to come by in emergency situations.
This is why the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) is such an important pillar of the community and why supporting it is so crucial.
Luckily for WRHS, that's just what locals did last Friday as the organisation raised just shy of $25,000 as part of their annual charity golf day.
In picturesque conditions at the Muswellbrook RSL Golf Club, dozens of teams assembled to have a hit and donate to a very noble cause, as well as have a few beverages and letting their competitive side come out in between socialising.
WRHS community liaison officer for the Upper Hunter, Danny Eather, spoke about the day's importance and the atmosphere around the course.
"It's continued to be just a massive day, record numbers again, sponsorship has been fantastic and not only are businesses sponsoring the holes but they're also getting involved, doing activities and raising a few dollars," he said.
"Everyone seems to be having a bit of fun.. there's people here that may be working on different crews in the mines or different crews in our supply services and they don't get the chance to catch up so to do it in a social outlet like this is a great thing."
DK Heavy Plant Services won the day, and will no doubt be taking bragging rights back to their workplace this week.
