A car built by generations of Wollongbar apprentices has delivered a major boost to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, selling for more than $40,000 at auction.

The restored Holden Commodore, brought back to life by Wollongbar TAFE students over more than a decade, went under the hammer through national auction house Pickles as part of a charity sale.

The vehicle itself is a 1987 Holden Commodore VL Executive, one of the final models built before Holden transitioned to the VN series and the end of the locally-developed straight-six era. The VL was known for its Nissan-sourced RB30 engine, a 3.0-litre inline six that developed a strong following for its durability and tuning potential.

The auction result was closely watched by those involved in the project, including TAFE NSW Wollongbar head teacher Kirk Trease, who oversaw the restoration.

“This is a fantastic outcome for our community, venerating the efforts of our young local apprentices and contributing to the longevity of the emergency service,” he said.

Trease said bidding had climbed to just under $41,000 when he last checked a couple of hours before the auction closed.

A spokesman for auction house Pickles told Ballina News Daily the final total going to the helicopter charity will be $42,816.25. 

The vehicle has become a symbol of both hands-on learning and community contribution, with hundreds of apprentices across multiple trades playing a role in its restoration over approximately 15 years.

From showpiece to sale

The Aussie classic impressed crowds at the North Coast Show and Shine in February, when it was officially donated by the team at Wollongbar TAFE to the rescue helicopter charity.

The Commodore was officially handed over earlier this year during the North Coast Show and Shine event in February, where it formed part of a broader fundraising push for the helicopter service .

That event alone raised about $40,000, with the auction now adding another significant contribution to the total.

Together, the efforts highlight the scale of community support behind the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, which carries out hundreds of missions each year across northern NSW.

Real-world training, real-world impact

Beyond the dollars raised, the project has been widely praised as a powerful example of vocational training delivering real-world outcomes.

Apprentices were involved in every stage of the build, from mechanical work to panel beating and finishing, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to a cause that directly benefits their own community.

Kirk Trease

The final result — a fully restored classic Holden — not only turned heads but ultimately translated into vital funding for a service many locals rely on in emergencies.