15/06/2026
This weekend saw an influx of SES volunteers and staff into Inverell for a two day leadership conference at the Inverell RSM Club. Attendees came from as far afield as Tenterfield, Boggabri, and the Liverpool Plains to represent their units and to discuss the future direction of the NW Zone through community connections and volunteer support and engagement.
Special guests included Acting Deputy Commissioner Nic Hogan and Acting Assistant Commissioner Brigid Rice, with an attendance vis Zoom of Commissioner Mike Wassing.
In addition to the various presentations and discussions that formed the formal events, a number of members were recognised with awards and achievements including a National Emergency Medal, and some long service milestones. Our own Riley Gruenfeld attended the conference dinner to receive his 10 Year Service citation and medal.
Many of the Commanders and Deputy Commanders took the opportunity to visit the Inverell Emergency Operations Centre on Sunday morning for a bbq breakfast, tour of the facilities, and a demonstration of one of the new drones the NSW SES is trialling. The large drone has been employed in damage assessment and land searches, and is also capable of performing line drops to assist in accessing people in flood rescues with less risk to volunteers. Additionally a small drone was also revealed which is due to be rolled out to all storm vehicles for damage assessment during callouts.
Many thanks go to the staff at NW Zone who traveled from Tamworth to make the weekend such a success, but also to all the other staff wo worked behind the scenes to enable the event to be held.