NSW SES Kyogle Unit

08/05/2026

Kyogle Unit are proud of Senior Group Officer Cameron Castledine (3rd from right)

A huge congratulations to NSW SES Kyogle Unit Senior Group Officer Cameron Castledine on representing the NSW SES and North Eastern Zone at the Australian Emergency Services Memorial in Canberra alongside other emerging leaders from across the state.
The memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the dedication, sacrifice and service shown by emergency service personnel across Australia, and it’s fitting to see leaders like Cameron involved in shaping the future of the NSW SES while honouring those who came before us.

This recognition comes after Cameron was recently named NSW SES Volunteer of the Year — an incredible achievement and a reflection of his commitment not only to the SES, but to the communities he serves every day.

Leadership in emergency services is about far more than responding to incidents — it’s about supporting volunteers, building resilient teams, mentoring the next generation and never forgetting the people who have given so much in service to others.

Well deserved Cameron — Kyogle, North Eastern Zone and the wider SES family are incredibly proud!

Young leaders from the NSW SES and emerging leaders from the NSW SES Volunteers Association recently came together at the Australian Emergency Services Memorial in Canberra — a place that stands as a powerful tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of emergency service personnel from across Australia.

The memorial recognises those who have dedicated their lives to protecting communities, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Bringing together the next generation of leaders at such an important national site highlights the ongoing commitment to leadership, teamwork, service and supporting the future of emergency services in Australia.

The NSW SES Volunteers Association and National SES Volunteers Association is proud to support and encourage the development of emerging and young leaders within the NSW SES as we continue supporting members and volunteers into the future.

President Kim Davis ESM outlined the importance of the SESVA to continually support promotion, training and support of our young leaders.

‘Support to NSW SES members goes beyond our resilience training and welfare response support. It’s also about ensuring the community remembers those that lost their lives protecting others.’

NSW SES Volunteers Association - Developing our next generation of leaders since 1997

05/05/2026

Kyogle SES Unit are deeply saddened by the tragic incident off Ballina Bar overnight.

Our hearts go out not only for the loss of life within Marine Rescue NSW, but also for those from the vessel they were responding to.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks our volunteer emergency services face every time they answer a call for help—often in the most challenging and dangerous conditions.

We extend our sincere condolences to the families, friends, and members of Marine Rescue NSW, as well as all those affected.

Our thoughts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time.

03/05/2026

🚨 Road Traffic Crash – Cawongla 🚨

At approximately 10:15am, Sunday 3rd May 2026, Kyogle NSW SES Unit were activated to reports of a serious crash on Kyogle Road, Cawongla, after a vehicle went over a cliff with multiple persons trapped.

A large-scale, multi-agency operation was quickly launched. On arrival, crews located a single vehicle far down a steep embankment, with three persons still inside.

Specialist rescue teams from Kyogle SES, VRA Rescue NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, and Police Rescue established a vertical rescue system to access the scene. Using haul lines and battery-powered rescue tools, crews carefully removed sections of the vehicle to safely extricate the patients.

Each patient was secured into rescue baskets and hauled up the embankment via vertical lines before being handed over to paramedics for treatment and transport to hospital.

This was a highly complex rescue that showcased exceptional teamwork, coordination, and technical skill across all responding agencies.

A strong example of inter-agency collaboration achieving the best possible outcome under challenging conditions.

Casino Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW
Police Rescue

01/05/2026

! NSW SES Young Volunteer of the Year 2025 Winner !

Kyogle NSW State Emergency Service Deputy Unit Commander Cameron Castledine travelled to State Headquarters in Wollongong on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, accompanied by his Unit Commander and family, to receive his award as NSW SES Young Volunteer of the Year for 2025.

Cameron was recognised for his exceptional commitment, leadership and technical skill at just 21 years of age. A highly capable operator and Team Leader within the NSW SES, Kyogle Unit he has supported major responses including the 2022 floods and Tropical Cyclone Alfred, while consistently strengthening his unit’s capability. Cameron is widely respected by his peers for his professionalism, maturity and unwavering dedication to service.

A member of the Kyogle Unit for four years, Cameron has built a reputation as a dependable, highly skilled volunteer who steps up when it matters most.

From storm operations to vertical rescue, road crash rescue and on-water response, Cameron has rapidly developed a broad and versatile skillset within the NSW State Emergency Service, with plans to further expand his capability through additional specialist training.

He has also volunteered during some of New South Wales’ largest natural disasters, including the devastating 2022 floods, and more recently during Tropical Cyclone Alfred, where he stepped into a Team Leader role within the NSW SES, Kyogle Unit

Earlier this year, Cameron was appointed Senior Group Officer (Deputy Unit Commander) within the NSW SES, Kyogle Unit, where he now plays a key role in leading and coordinating members, ensuring crews remain well trained, capable and ready to respond.

Reflecting on the award, Cameron said he was honoured to receive the recognition.

“I’m extremely flattered and excited to be recognised as the NSW SES Young Volunteer of the Year,”

Cameron was also a finalist for the award in 2024, making this year’s win a strong reflection of his continued commitment and growth within the NSW State Emergency Service.

From all of the NSW SES, Kyogle Unit, congratulations to Cameron on this outstanding achievement!

Cameron Castledine - Deputy Unit Commander, receiving his award from NSW SES Commissioner - Mike Wassing

25/04/2026

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

🧡Lest we forget🧡

Representing the Kyogle SES Unit at the Dawn Service and members having the honour to lay a wreath at the cenotaph is a quiet but powerful act of respect.
Ceremonies like this, especially in regional communities—carry a strong sense of continuity, linking today’s service members and volunteers with those remembered in lines like “We will remember them.”

24/04/2026

Lest We Forget

16/03/2026

Multi-Agency Response – Helicopter Crash

Kyogle Unit volunteers were activated to assist in a recovery operation on Sunday 15 March 2026 at 0700hrs.

Over several days, multiple emergency service agencies were involved in a search and recovery operation following a helicopter crash in remote bushland north of Drake.

The helicopter, travelling from the Gold Coast to Mudgee, was reported overdue on Friday evening after failing to arrive at its destination.

Following an extensive search across difficult and heavily forested terrain, the wreckage was located on Saturday afternoon. Crews continued operations through Sunday to assist Police and the ATSB with access and recovery of the pilot.

Local emergency services worked together across challenging terrain to support Police in the search and recovery effort.

Agencies involved included:
• Tabulam SES
• Casino SES
• Kyogle SES
• Lismore SES
• Urbenville SES
• Casino Rescue Squad
• Northern Rivers Police Rescue

Our thoughts are with the pilot’s family, friends, and the wider aviation community during this difficult time.

Kyogle SES would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all volunteers and emergency service personnel involved in the operation.

NSW SES Tabulam Unit
NSW SES Lismore City Unit
NSW SES Casino Unit
Casino Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW