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After being damaged by flooding in 2022, NSW SES Parkes Unit previous headquarters has now been replaced by a brand new modern, purpose-built facility.

In an official opening ceremony over the weekend, volunteers, dignitaries and community members gathered to recognise both the future of emergency response in Parkes and the volunteers who have served the region for generations.

During the opening, three specialist emergency response vehicles were also handed over to strengthen operational capability across the region. The new assets included a Community First Responder Vehicle, an Inflatable Rescue Boat and a Light Flood Rescue Vehicle.

The project was funded through 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.

“Today we celebrate not only a new building, but the commitment and service of the volunteers who make this Unit so important to the region.” Said NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM

Read more on our website!

After being damaged by flooding in 2022, NSW SES Parkes Unit previous headquarters has now been replaced by a brand new modern, purpose-built facility.

In an official opening ceremony over the weekend, volunteers, dignitaries and community members gathered to recognise both the future of emergency response in Parkes and the volunteers who have served the region for generations.

During the opening, three specialist emergency response vehicles were also handed over to strengthen operational capability across the region. The new assets included a Community First Responder Vehicle, an Inflatable Rescue Boat and a Light Flood Rescue Vehicle.

The project was funded through 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.

“Today we celebrate not only a new building, but the commitment and service of the volunteers who make this Unit so important to the region.” Said NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM

Read more on our website!

After being damaged by flooding in 2022, NSW SES Parkes Unit previous headquarters has now been replaced by a brand new modern, purpose-built facility.

In an official opening ceremony over the weekend, volunteers, dignitaries and community members gathered to recognise both the future of emergency response in Parkes and the volunteers who have served the region for generations.

During the opening, three specialist emergency response vehicles were also handed over to strengthen operational capability across the region. The new assets included a Community First Responder Vehicle, an Inflatable Rescue Boat and a Light Flood Rescue Vehicle.

The project was funded through 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.

“Today we celebrate not only a new building, but the commitment and service of the volunteers who make this Unit so important to the region.” Said NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM

Read more on our website!

After being damaged by flooding in 2022, NSW SES Parkes Unit previous headquarters has now been replaced by a brand new modern, purpose-built facility.

In an official opening ceremony over the weekend, volunteers, dignitaries and community members gathered to recognise both the future of emergency response in Parkes and the volunteers who have served the region for generations.

During the opening, three specialist emergency response vehicles were also handed over to strengthen operational capability across the region. The new assets included a Community First Responder Vehicle, an Inflatable Rescue Boat and a Light Flood Rescue Vehicle.

The project was funded through 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.

“Today we celebrate not only a new building, but the commitment and service of the volunteers who make this Unit so important to the region.” Said NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM

Read more on our website!

After being damaged by flooding in 2022, NSW SES Parkes Unit previous headquarters has now been replaced by a brand new modern, purpose-built facility.

In an official opening ceremony over the weekend, volunteers, dignitaries and community members gathered to recognise both the future of emergency response in Parkes and the volunteers who have served the region for generations.

During the opening, three specialist emergency response vehicles were also handed over to strengthen operational capability across the region. The new assets included a Community First Responder Vehicle, an Inflatable Rescue Boat and a Light Flood Rescue Vehicle.

The project was funded through 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.

“Today we celebrate not only a new building, but the commitment and service of the volunteers who make this Unit so important to the region.” Said NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM

Read more on our website!

After being damaged by flooding in 2022, NSW SES Parkes Unit previous headquarters has now been replaced by a brand new modern, purpose-built facility.

In an official opening ceremony over the weekend, volunteers, dignitaries and community members gathered to recognise both the future of emergency response in Parkes and the volunteers who have served the region for generations.

During the opening, three specialist emergency response vehicles were also handed over to strengthen operational capability across the region. The new assets included a Community First Responder Vehicle, an Inflatable Rescue Boat and a Light Flood Rescue Vehicle.

The project was funded through 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.

“Today we celebrate not only a new building, but the commitment and service of the volunteers who make this Unit so important to the region.” Said NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM

Read more on our website!

You may recognise this face from some recent posts! A shout out to James Poulos, currently completing his Gold Level, volunteers at @nswses AND,kindly put his hand up to be the face of our Duke of ED x NSW SES launch.

We had so much fun at the SES Ashfield-Leichardt unit recently where James and the team showed us the incredible range of activities a young person volutneering with NSW SES can participate in. Here’s a snapshot of the activity behind the scenes.
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#DukeOfEd #NSWSES #Volunteering #CommunityService #humanskills @international_award

Happy National Volunteer Week everyone!

Across NSW, 4.9 million people volunteer, and we are proud to have over 11,000 of them.

Volunteers like Prim, who joined the NSW SES at just 19 years of age, motivated by a desire to connect with others and give back.🙌

“I initially joined the NSW SES as a way to help my community in their times of need,” she said.

Now leading the NSW SES Narrabri Unit, Prim plays an important role in supporting her volunteers and ensuring the unit is prepared to respond whenever the community calls.

To continue reading more about Prim’s volunteer journey, visit link in bio.👆

WOW what a Day 🧡

Today we celebrated Wear Orange Wednesday at Auburn Unit. Recognising the incredible dedication of NSW SES volunteers who support communities 24/7. We are proud to welcome local schools, host live crosses with Sunrise, and hear from our Commissioner and Minister for Emergency Services.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support our volunteers and help showcase what SES is all about.

There’s still time to get involved, post a thank you message on our digital wall www.wowday.com.au

#WOWDay #WearOrangeWednesday #NSWSES #thankyouses

A bushwalker has been reunited in emotional scenes with our volunteers who rescued him from dense bushland back in February.

David Elliot set out for a day walk in the Blue Mountains National Park, before becoming disoriented and spending the night lost, trekking through rugged terrain.

The experienced bushwalker initially planned to find his way back to the main track, but suffering a broken wrist and with a second nightfall approaching, decided to activate his personal locator beacon.

Our bush rescue team had been out searching for David since first light and were just 500 metres away when the alert beacon was activated.

“It was really exciting to be that first person to locate him. He was fairly tired having walked for 30 hours or so, but he was otherwise well. We gave him some water, some food and let him rest with the nice feeling he was about to get a helicopter ride home,” said NSW SES volunteer John Barnes.

Mr Elliot was helped into the helicopter by the NSW SES bush rescue team and taken to Nepean Hospital, where he was reunited with his family.

“I had been so scared for Dad, not knowing where he was or if he was safe,” his daughter Karuna said.

During the reunion, his wife Jackie said meeting the volunteers who helped save her husband meant everything and that thanking them in person was overwhelming.

David recalled, “one thing that I really felt at that time, was as well as the volunteers being so competent in what they were doing, was that they were so warm and kind.”

Today on WOW Day, we’re shining a spotlight on some incredible volunteers like John, David and Ellen from the NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue Unit, who help make the SES what it is. To learn more 👆 link in bio 'News'

Today is WOW Day and we’re shining a spotlight on some incredible people like Scarlett. ⭐

Scarlett joined the NSW SES following the devastating 2022 floods that impacted Mullumbimby and much of the Northern Rivers.

“The floods were devastating – they affected everyone in some way,” she said.

“I helped wherever I could, mostly with food deliveries and getting essential items to families who needed support.”

When Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatened the region in March 2025, Scarlett was again on hand to help – this time proudly wearing her SES uniform.

👉Continue reading her story - News link in bio

To get involved, sign our virtual Thank You Wall to celebrate our SES volunteers today @ http://wowday.com.au 🧡

It has been almost 57 years since the Billabong Creek tragedy of 31 May 1969, when a vehicle carrying multiple people to a school fete was swept away in floodwaters. Several people sadly lost their lives.

The tragedy deeply affected the town and exposed the urgent need for trained local rescuers, proper equipment and an organised emergency response capability. It became the catalyst for the formation of the Parkes and District Rescue Squad which then evolved into ourin the 1990’s.

“If we had an organised team and even a little bit of equipment, we could have got the car out and helped those people much sooner,” original rescue squad member Neil Parker said.

Neil reminisced on the freezing cold conditions at the time and how he had stood on shards of glass from the shattered windscreen for up to six hours without even realising it.

Founding Parkes SES Unit volunteer and former Parkes Unit Commander Allan Draper said “Back then we had to make do with whatever we could get our hands on. If we found something useful, we’d paint it yellow, claim it our own and call it rescue equipment,”

Today, the Parkes Unit is made up of 23 female members and 19 male members, reflecting the significant evolution of the Service over the decades.

Current Parkes Unit Commander Kim Palmer said the official opening of the new headquarters was an exciting milestone for the Unit and a chance to reflect on how far the local capability has come.

🧡 In the lead-up to WOW Day on May 20, we’re shining a spotlight on some incredible people like Neil and Allan, who help make the SES what it is.

One year ago, the Mid North Coast and the Hunter were devastated by floods that destroyed homes and businesses and left lasting heartbreak across the region.

Today, we pause to reflect on the sadness of that time, while also remembering the bravery, resilience and strength shown throughout the community - particularly in the hardest hit area of Taree.

During the disaster, more than 2,200 NSW SES volunteers were mobilised to support affected communities, alongside the Australian Defence Force and 839 emergency service personnel from across NSW, interstate and New Zealand.

Together, they worked tirelessly to protect lives and properties, before supporting the impacted communities with recovery.

We are deeply grateful to the spontaneous community volunteers who stepped forward to help their neighbours, and to the countless people across the country who donated to help those who lost so much.

For many, the recovery journey is still ongoing. We continue to hold those impacted in our thoughts as they navigate the challenges that remain 🧡

Heavy rain, flooding and high tides have impacted the Northern Rivers this evening, prompting the NSW SES to urge people to stay off roads and prepare for isolation.
With rainfall impacting the region since Sunday night, rivers are rising and the following impacts are expected:
• Moderate flooding is possible at Tumbulgum overnight.
• Minor flooding is currently occurring at Chinderah and will possibly impact North Murwillumbah overnight tonight, with residents advised to stay informed of the conditions.
• Residents at low lying parts of Uki, Fingal Head, Fingal Head South, Crabbes Creek, Chinderah, Burringbar, Tumbulgum and Wollumbin (Mount Warning) are advised to prepare to isolate, as high tides and flood water are expected to cut off access overnight.
Conditions are expected to improve once the tide drops, and the floodwater begins to recede.
Stay up to date with the latest warnings and information – download the Hazards Near Me App or visit ses.nsw.gov.au

Australian Olympian, @jessfoxcanoe has left a message for our volunteers this WOW Day - are you ready to add yours!?

WOW Day is on Wednesday and we're excited to celebrate our volunteers and all their hard work. Head to wowday.com.au to leave your message of thanks on our virtual Thank You Wall or add #ThankYouSES to any of your posts on the day! 🧡

4.9 million people volunteer across NSW, and we’re proud to have around 11,000 of them within our agency 🧡

With National Volunteer Week starting today, we’re grateful for all our dedicated members and continue to be inspired by them, along with the many volunteer organisations we have the privilege of working alongside.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, and with all the benefits volunteering brings, we couldn’t encourage it more.

Thank you to every volunteer across the country - what would Australia do without you? 🙏

4.9 million people volunteer across NSW, and we’re proud to have around 11,000 of them within our agency 🧡

With National Volunteer Week starting today, we’re grateful for all our dedicated members and continue to be inspired by them, along with the many volunteer organisations we have the privilege of working alongside.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, and with all the benefits volunteering brings, we couldn’t encourage it more.

Thank you to every volunteer across the country - what would Australia do without you? 🙏

4.9 million people volunteer across NSW, and we’re proud to have around 11,000 of them within our agency 🧡

With National Volunteer Week starting today, we’re grateful for all our dedicated members and continue to be inspired by them, along with the many volunteer organisations we have the privilege of working alongside.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, and with all the benefits volunteering brings, we couldn’t encourage it more.

Thank you to every volunteer across the country - what would Australia do without you? 🙏

4.9 million people volunteer across NSW, and we’re proud to have around 11,000 of them within our agency 🧡

With National Volunteer Week starting today, we’re grateful for all our dedicated members and continue to be inspired by them, along with the many volunteer organisations we have the privilege of working alongside.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, and with all the benefits volunteering brings, we couldn’t encourage it more.

Thank you to every volunteer across the country - what would Australia do without you? 🙏

4.9 million people volunteer across NSW, and we’re proud to have around 11,000 of them within our agency 🧡

With National Volunteer Week starting today, we’re grateful for all our dedicated members and continue to be inspired by them, along with the many volunteer organisations we have the privilege of working alongside.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, and with all the benefits volunteering brings, we couldn’t encourage it more.

Thank you to every volunteer across the country - what would Australia do without you? 🙏

4.9 million people volunteer across NSW, and we’re proud to have around 11,000 of them within our agency 🧡

With National Volunteer Week starting today, we’re grateful for all our dedicated members and continue to be inspired by them, along with the many volunteer organisations we have the privilege of working alongside.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, and with all the benefits volunteering brings, we couldn’t encourage it more.

Thank you to every volunteer across the country - what would Australia do without you? 🙏

4.9 million people volunteer across NSW, and we’re proud to have around 11,000 of them within our agency 🧡

With National Volunteer Week starting today, we’re grateful for all our dedicated members and continue to be inspired by them, along with the many volunteer organisations we have the privilege of working alongside.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, and with all the benefits volunteering brings, we couldn’t encourage it more.

Thank you to every volunteer across the country - what would Australia do without you? 🙏

4.9 million people volunteer across NSW, and we’re proud to have around 11,000 of them within our agency 🧡

With National Volunteer Week starting today, we’re grateful for all our dedicated members and continue to be inspired by them, along with the many volunteer organisations we have the privilege of working alongside.

This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, and with all the benefits volunteering brings, we couldn’t encourage it more.

Thank you to every volunteer across the country - what would Australia do without you? 🙏

“Knowing you’ve made a real difference for someone in your community is incredibly rewarding.” 🙌

For Emily Chapman, that commitment to service is now inspiring the next generation, with her 17 year old son Archie recently joining the Moruya Unit.

Now in Year 12, Archie decided to volunteer after seeing firsthand the impact SES members have during emergencies and natural disasters.

“Knowing my sons are watching pushes me to lead in a way that shows what it really means to step up for others and be part of a community,” Emily said.

This #InternationalDayOfFamilies, we’re proud to share Emily and Archie’s story—one of many family moments across the SES.

🧡 In the lead-up to WOW Day on May 20, we’re shining a spotlight on some incredible volunteers like this mother and son duo, who help make the SES what it is. Read more of their story on our website.