NSW State Emergency Service

In 2019/2020, bushfires destroyed the NSW Batemans Bay Unit base, and now steady progress is being made on a new world-class facility. NSW Premier Chris Minns recently visited the under construction operations base which will now host both the NSW SES unit and Surf Beach RFS! The new $5.8 million facility will be a vital asset to the local community and a welcoming new home for the volunteers.

This morning, hundreds came together for the 25th annual NSW Emergency Service Volunteers Memorial Service, honouring those who gave their lives in the line of duty while protecting their communities.
 Held at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib attended the ceremony alongside NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin and NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz, paying tribute to the volunteers who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, six new names were added to the memorial, bringing the total number of honoured volunteers to 125. Each year, the memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by emergency service volunteers. Their courage and dedication live on in every volunteer who continues to don the uniform and serve their community.

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Home to just 382 residents and capped at only 400 tourists at any one time, Lord Howe Island is a truly unique environment. Did you know the NSW SES operates a unit there? To support the local Lord Howe Island unit, the NSW SES Port Macquarie Unit often makes the journey over to visit the local crew. These trips involve sending experienced trainers and assessors to help maintain skills, deliver specialised training, and ensure the team remains prepared for the island’s unique conditions. The visits focus on sharing knowledge and expertise across a range of disciplines, identifying future training needs, and reviewing emergency response plans and capabilities. One notable part of the most recent trip included an intense climb up Mount Gower to inspect local gear caches used to support rescue and steep slope recovery operations. It’s a one-of-a-kind setting, supported by an exceptional group of dedicated volunteers who do an incredible job serving their community.

And the 2025 South Coast Emergency Volunteer of the Year is… Lynette McFadden! A huge congratulations to Lynette, the dedicated Deputy Unit Commander of the Ulladulla Unit, on this outstanding achievement. At yesterday’s South Coast Volunteering Awards, many incredible volunteers were rightly recognised for their commitment to the community. NSW SES is proud to see one of our own honoured among them. Well done, Lynette!

350 years of combined service were recently celebrated in the Central West! The Binda and Cunningham Cluster Awards Night was a fantastic celebration of the local NSW SES volunteers who give their time to protect their communities. Among those recognised were Lake Cargelligo Unit Commander Ray Coff and Peak Hill Unit member Sherry Morgan, each receiving a 30-year long service award. Ray joined in 1994 after encouragement from his son and has supported his community through many emergencies, including the tragic 2002 Lake Cargelligo water tower collapse. Sherry began volunteering alongside her husband and stayed on for the strong sense of community - saying the people she met feel “like family.” Ray, Sherry, and so many others across the Central West remind us that the NSW SES is built on people who care deeply about their towns. Their dedication to helping others is an inspiration. 💻 Read more about the awards night here: https://lnkd.in/g9nTkRb8

Construction has started in the Central West on a new fit-for-purpose NSW SES facility! The new $4.8 million facility in Parkes will replace the current outdated building that was damaged by flooding. The new facility will feature garages for the latest NSW SES rescue vehicles and boats, secure storage for specialist equipment, and modern amenities including offices, training rooms, a kitchen, and change rooms. The project is funded by a $3.5 million investment from the NSW Government and $1.3 million through the Community Assets Program under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.  This much needed upgrade will help the team meet operational demands and improve the region’s emergency response!

A new building is on the way for NSW SES Tibooburra Unit! A modern, fit-for-purpose building is now under construction with an expected completion date of early 2026. The new facility will double the size of the current building and feature: 🔸 Garages to house the new generation of SES vehicles and boats 🔸 Storage for rescue equipment 🔸 Offices 🔸 A training room 🔸 A kitchen 🔸 Change room facilities. NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM said: “Our volunteers in the Far West are often first on the scene in farming accidents, floods, storms and other emergencies. “Having the right facilities and resources means they can continue to respond quickly and effectively, protecting lives and supporting the people of Tibooburra and surrounding areas.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gPXFvdH7

Eight community caches have been established across the state to support local flood preparedness efforts. Each cache is stocked with essential flood response equipment including sandbags, shovels, first aid kits, tarps, and more, ensuring that residents have access to vital supplies when severe weather strikes and communities become isolated. North Wagga and Moulamein are among the Southern NSW locations chosen for these SES caches, as they are particularly vulnerable during flood events. These caches are designed to support at-risk communities and ensure no one is left behind in times of emergency. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gKkt2r4F

Over the weekend, the NSW SES delivered three multi-agency Flood Rescue Land Based Operator courses at Koree Island. 28 participants including members from NSW SES, Marine Rescue NSW and Surf Life Saving NSW trained side by side in realistic river conditions, strengthening the skills and teamwork needed when floodwaters rise. This course adds to a big year of training: 🔸 107 In-water Operators 🔸 136 Boat Operators 🔸 193 Land-based Operators  🔸 1,508 Flood Rescue Awareness completions 🔸 75 external agency personnel trained What a huge effort from everyone involved and a great result for the communities of NSW.