The storm damaged the administration building and its content – furniture, files and carpets.

Plans for a new building were drawn up prior to Christmas last year and construction started in March.

Staff and volunteers moved into the new operations and administration building last month, which has offices for operations, administration and marketing staff all under the one roof.

The former administration building will be used as a volunteer and visitor centre.

The project was coordinated by Bolkm, which is part of long-term supporters of the service, the Buildev Group.

Funds for the building came from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, which set up a relief fund as a result of the damage caused by the 2007 June long-weekend flood.

In addition, many of the building contractors, who worked on the project, provided goods and services at greatly reduced rates, thus, reducing the cost to the service.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service general manager Richard Jones said the new centre had given the service a contemporary office facility with meeting rooms and staff amenities.

“It allows the service to host its donors, supporters, volunteers and sponsors in a professional manner.

“The service is extremely grateful for the support of all the agencies, businesses, contractors and the community, which have made this possible.”

The final result is a state-of-the-art amenity service, which will be officially opened this Friday, November 21.

More than 200 people, representing the service, its partners, those that helped during the construction, volunteers and the community, will attend the official opening.

An open day at the base will be organised in the new year for the public.