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The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) officially opened the doors to its new headquarters in Wollongong today.

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the opening signalled an exciting new chapter for the NSW SES.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to investing in the wellbeing of communities right across the State,” Mr Grant said.

“I am delighted to see the new headquarters officially up and running, which will enhance the NSW SES’s response capabilities across the board.

“Around 235 NSW SES personnel are based at the new headquarters, which now boasts the ability to support its more than 8,000 volunteers who protect life and property.

“The building provides state-of-the-art facilities including a re-designed Operations Centre which will better assist with the coordination of response to floods, storms, tsunami and a variety of other emergencies.

“This new facility is also a hub for volunteers and will give them additional opportunities to be involved in operations at the State Headquarters.

“There is no greater example of the strong sense of civic duty that exists in NSW than our SES and its volunteers. They are the selfless local heroes who are always there to lend a hand when Mother Nature strikes.

“Since moving in to the new premises, the SES has managed over 2,500 emergency call-outs, so the community can be assured it is well positioned to assist them in a crisis,” Mr Grant said.

NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst said the move to the new building was an important milestone for the organisation.

“This wonderful new facility will allow us to be more flexible in our volunteering practices and provides opportunities for everyone from the community to get involved with the NSW SES through a new initiative, ‘Volunteering Reimagined’,” Commissioner Smethurst said.

“We are changing the way we recruit volunteers, reaching out to different industries and community groups to draw on the expertise and skills that can bolster our operations.

“With the storm season almost upon us, there has never been a better time to volunteer with the
NSW SES. Whatever your background, location and skill-set, there is a place for you to volunteer
with the NSW SES,” Commissioner Smethurst said.

Media: Douglas Martin | 0438 371 354
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Pictured: NEW State Headquarters located 93-99 Burelli Street, Wollongong NSW 2500.