NSW SES Far West Area

02/08/2026

This weekend, unit leaders from right across the Western Zone are coming together for our Leadership Forum.
We have members here from all corners of the zone, from Lithgow in the east to Broken Hill in the far west, and up to Lightning Ridge in the north.
It’s a real reminder of just how vast our zone is and how committed our people are to showing up for one another.
The focus is on sharing knowledge and lived experience: decision making under pressure, leadership, and building leadership capability across our units.
When our leaders are supported and connected, our whole community is better protected.
A huge thank you to everyone who has made the trip and given up their weekend. The strength of the SES has always been our people, and this weekend is proof of that.

24/07/2026

⚠️ AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.

It will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, we need to test the system across Australia.

‼️ On Monday 27 July, your mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, may receive a test alert.

The test times across Australian time zones are:
• 2:00 pm AEST (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS)
• 1:30 pm ACST (SA, NT, Broken Hill NSW)
• 12:00 pm AWST (WA)

The message will vibrate and include a loud, siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds.
If this could disrupt you or cause you or a loved one to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time in your location, and leave them off for at least one hour.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything, but in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

To learn what an AusAlert sounds like, visit ausalert.gov.au
National Emergency Management Agency
AusAlert

02/07/2026

Paroo River at Willara Crossing
Stay informed
Advice

NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to STAY INFORMED about possible minor flooding on the Paroo River:

- Willara Crossing

You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website, HazardWatch and pages, the Hazards Near Me mobile app, local radio or television, and by following the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

Queensland communities
This warning applies to communities in NSW. Emergency warnings and advice are issued separately by each state. For Queensland-specific warnings and advice, visit disaster.qld.gov.au/current-warnings.

What are we expecting?

The Bureau of Meteorology advises the Paroo River at Willara Crossing is currently at 0.66 m and steady, just below the minor flood level (0.70 m).

The Paroo River at Willara Crossing may reach the minor flood level (0.70 m) Thursday evening.

Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwater:

- Willara Crossing

View the full warning: https://hazardwatch.gov.au/a/90v_v3

Download the Hazards Near Me App and set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive warnings in real time. https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Post current at 12:04pm on Thursday 2nd July 2026.

01/07/2026

Storms don't wait — know when to call.

📞 132 500 for storm and flood help.
🚨 000 for life-threatening emergencies.

We're out there right now, doing what we do best.

01/07/2026

Far West and Southern Inland NSW have been impacted by heavy rainfall this week which has seen roads and highways closed due to floodwater 🚧

Damaging winds are expected to impact the Lower Western and Upper Western Forecast Districts later today and NSW SES asks people to be prepared. Localised heavy rainfall and large hail are also possible.

⚠️ All unsealed roads in the Far West are now closed. Sealed roads remain open, including the Barrier Highway, however the Silver City Highway is closed from Packsaddle to the Queensland border.

Residents are reminded to check their local council pages or Live Traffic NSW for road closures and traffic updates before travelling and to turn around and find an alternative route if they come across a flooded road.

📲 Continue monitoring the Hazards Near Me app for weather updates or visit the NSW SES website.

Our teams are prepared and ready to respond should you need help.

☎️ If you require assistance, call NSW SES on 132 500. If life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000).

01/07/2026

Severe Weather Warnings have been issued this morning for HEAVY RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS ☔️🍃

🔷 Heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of Lower Western and Upper Western Forecast Districts.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

🔷 Damaging winds are forecast for parts of South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains, and Southern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

They have developed over alpine peaks, and will expand to lower elevations this evening. Winds will remain locally strong over the Snowy Mountains into Thursday.

📲 Download Hazards Near Me or visit the NSW SES website to stay up to date with warnings and information, especially as the weather moves through and may affect other areas.

🚗 If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.

Stay safe and prepared:
🔸 Move your car under cover or away from trees and powerlines if safe to do so.
🔸 Tie down loose items ahead of strong winds.
🔸 Keep clear of creeks and storm drains
🔸 If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring Triple Zero (000) if you need rescue
🔸 Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.

☎️ If you require assistance in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).

30/06/2026

Morning thunderstorms could produce heavy rainfall this morning in the far west.

Weather Situation: An upper trough combined with a moist environment is producing heavy rainfall in the far west this morning.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Broken Hill, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Menindee and Fowlers Gap.

Safety advice
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.

For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

The next warning is due to be issued by 11:25 am.

Broken Hill City Council
Roy Butler MP

30/06/2026

*Severe Thunderstorms – Be Prepared*
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast severe thunderstorms moving west to east across NSW from Wednesday 1 July through to Thursday 2 July.

These storms may bring:
- Damaging winds
- Giant hail
- Heavy rainfall with potential flash flooding

Now is the time to prepare. Protect your home and family by:
- Cleaning your gutters and downpipes
- Securing loose outdoor items such as trampolines and furniture
- Parking vehicles away from trees and powerlines
- Staying informed and monitoring weather updates

🚨 If life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000)
📞 For emergency assistance with storm or flood damage, contact NSW SES on 132 500
To stay up to date with any warnings visit https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ or download the Hazards Near Me App.
Stay safe and be prepared.
Roy Butler MP
Central Darling Shire Council
Barrier Police District
ABC Broken Hill
Broken Hill City Council
Wentworth Shire Council
NSW SES Broken Hill Unit

07/05/2026

🟧 Today some of our members held a BBQ at St Therese's Community Parish School Wilcannia, where students were able to create their own emergency kit. Learning about what to include and why. Local Wilcannia Unit Commander Jack also spoke to students about what the SES does in their community.

Thank you for having us! 🧡

20/03/2026