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National Youth Week is being celebrated across the Nation from 31 March – 9 April 2017. The week celebrates the contribution that young people aged 12 – 25 make to the Australian community.

The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is a volunteer organisation consisting of people from all walks of life and varying ages from 16 – 106!

We at the NSW SES value our young volunteers and see them as the future of the Service. They are valued, respected, and most importantly they strive to make a difference to their communities.

So what’s it take to be a NSW SES volunteer?

If you’re looking for adventure, a challenge and to make new friends volunteering for the NSW SES is for you.

You can factor your NSW SES activities around your existing work and study commitments.  You attend a training night once a week at your local Unit and then you can further your skills by participating in training activities which normally fall on weekends and then of course helping out when floods and storms hit. Don't take our word for it. Read some NSW SES testimonials for yourself.

What type of roles can I do?

The best thing about being a part of the NSW SES is the many different types of roles which are available for you to learn new skills and participate in including:

• Flood preparation and response – rescuing people caught in rising flood water and assisting people whose homes have been damaged by flood water.
• Storm perpetration and response – repairing leaking roofs and chain sawing through trees which have fallen on or near properties.
• Road crash rescue – Some specific NSW SES Units are accredited in responding to road crashes.
• Searching for missing people – help police by taking part in land searches when someone is missing.

As a NSW SES volunteer you do not have to take part in physical activities. There are so many other roles besides physical roles you can get involved in such as:

• Media Officer – undertake media interviews to communicate key safety information to the public.
• Community Engagement Officer – educating the public on how to prepare for floods and storms.
• Administration – assisting your local NSW SES Unit with the day to day running of the Unit.
• Click here to learn more about our volunteering roles

So why become a NSW SES volunteer?

Volunteering with the NSW SES is a rewarding experience, not just for you but for your local community as well. The skills and qualifications you gain from being a NSW SES volunteer may even go towards future employment and tertiary opportunities.

You can also make new friends! If you have just moved to a new town for University or TAFE or have started a Graduate Program in a new city, joining the NSW SES could be an opportunity for you to meet new like-minded people.

The best thing is the feeling you get from volunteering and helping those in need who are experiencing the most difficult times in their life and to know that you helped them.

As a NSW SES volunteer your opportunities are endless.

For more information on how you can become a NSW SES volunteer call the NSW SES Volunteering line on 1800 201 000 or apply online

Youth Week 2017: Meet Parryn Sellings – Bibby