About us

We support the community in preparing for and responding to state emergencies

The NSW SES was founded in 1955 and serves the community of NSW as the lead agency for flood, storm and tsunami, as specified by the State Emergency Service Act 1989 (NSW).

The NSW SES combines our Corporate Services, Operations and Capability and Training teams comprising of paid staff and volunteers who work together to support our Mission: Saving lives and creating safer communities with a vision of being a trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to deliver excellence in community preparedness and emergency response.

NSW SES strives to create and maintain a culture of diversity and inclusion that provides an environment for staff and volunteers to bring their whole selves to work and is a living expression of our values.

We are the combat agency for:

Flood

NSW has significant flood risk. So, from helping communities form flood plans, to issuing flood warnings, to guiding recovery, we’re here to offer support at every step.

Storm

Storms can happen in NSW anywhere, at any time. NSW SES can assist with preparing your family, animals and home before, during and after a storm.

Tsunami

Preparing your home and business for possible tsunamis is one of the most important things you can do. NSW SES can also provide emergency advice during an event, and support after an event.

NSW SES at a glance

Members

Over 10,500 highly trained members, committed to helping their communities.

Volunteer units

Over 260 volunteer units, designed to address specific community risks.

Volunteers

97% of our members are volunteers coming from all walks of life and are the core of NSW SES.

Our mission

Saving lives and creating safer communities.

Our vision

A trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to deliver excellence in community preparedness and emergency response.

24/7 support

We operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 day per year

Six NSW SES members in orange uniforms holding rescue tools in front of a NSW SES truck and vehicles..

What we do

Our highly skilled teams manage the response to natural disasters and assist our main emergency services in their rescue missions.

Person scrolling through an NSW SES zones map on a tablet.

Get to know NSW SES's zones and units

We've divided NSW into seven zones, with dedicated units to provide responsive services across the state.

Ways you can get involved

Become a volunteer

Joining the NSW SES team as a volunteer is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that makes a real difference to your community.

Careers

We employ a range of people with a variety of skills from varying backgrounds, all dedicated to the wellbeing of their community.

Community events

Attend an event and start a conversation that could support you, your family and your community during a storm, flood or tsunami.

Make a donation

We are a community-based, not-for-profit organisation. Donations are gratefully appreciated and important in supporting our incredible volunteers.

Keep up with the latest reports and resources

Strategic plan

Publications

Reports

Research

A diverse and inclusive team

We’re committed to building a team as diverse as the communities we serve. Each one of us bring different skills, interests and backgrounds, and are united by a shared purpose of supporting their communities in times of need.

Learn more

Three NSW SES members wearing pride colours at Mardi Gras.

Our partners

We work together with external organisations, with a shared purpose of supporting local communities across NSW. Together, we’re committed to common objectives such as flexible volunteering, improving our emergency response and providing Peer Support Services.

Representatives from AAMI shaking hands with Commissioner Carlene York and Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston.

Meet our major partner, AAMI Insurance

Thanks to the generous support of AAMI Insurance, NSW SES is able to invest in in programs and education campaigns that are designed to increase community resilience and better prepare regions in case of an emergency.