The Special Air Service Resources Fund was formed following the Blackhawk helicopter tragedy which occurred on the 12 June 1996 during a training exercise at the High Range Training Area, Townsville, North Queensland that claimed 18 lives and rendered one soldier paraplegic. Consequently, there were 11 children, ranging in age from 2 to 15 years of age, who were left without fathers.
The Fund’s aim is to provide additional support not covered by Government entitlements including education, family relocation, home security and medical and dental services required due to financial, emotional or psychological hardship.
The Fund consists of three trusts: Trust 1 cares for the families of deceased and permanently incapacitated servicemen, supporting their children's education up to the age of 25; Trust 2 supports servicemen undergoing financial hardship caused by injuries, physical or mental, sustained in the course of duty; Trust 3 exists to provide servicemen and their families with respite breaks to relieve stress and pressure, as well as education/rehabilitation to facilitate integration back into civilian society.
