Northern Rivers NSW SES

27/05/2026

⛈️Thunderstorms are forecast across the region today and into this evening. We can expect to see heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding. Damaging winds and large hail may also occur.

🚗Please drive to conditions and keep off the roads if you can.

🚫Steer clear of flood waters. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.

📲Download Hazards Near Me or visit the NSW SES website to stay up to date with warnings and information.

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

Issued at 9:45am AEST on Thursday 28 May 2026

27/05/2026

🌧️We are keeping an eye on the skies and heavy rainfall is forecast across the region today. This may lead to flash flooding in some locations.

🚗Please drive to conditions.

🚫Steer clear of flood waters. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.

📲Download Hazards Near Me or visit the NSW SES website to stay up to date with warnings and information.

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

Issued at 7:40am AEST on Thursday 28 May 2026.

26/05/2026

🌧️ Wet weather is forecast for this week. Here at the NSW SES we are monitoring the conditions and making plans.

Here are some things you could do:
📲 Download Hazards Near Me to stay informed.
📻 Listen to your local radio stations for weather updates.
🏡Prepare your home and garden for potential storms.
🚗 Check road conditions before you drive.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑Check on your neighbours to see if they need any assistance.

10/05/2026

08/05/2026

A huge congratulations to NSW SES Kyogle Unit Senior Group Officer Cameron Castledine on representing the NSW SES and North Eastern Zone in the Young Emerging Leaders Program in Canberra.

The program is run by the National SES Volunteer Association, with many representatives across Australian State and Territory SES. The program involves strategic thinking, engagement with national emergency sector leaders, and formal representation at the AFAC National Memorial Service in Canberra.

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

06/05/2026

🏅Northern Rivers Capability Unit Awards Night 🏅

A very special training night last Thursday where we recognised the outstanding contributions of volunteer members who received a NSW Premier's Flood Emergency Citation for their work during the 2022 floods, and those receiving long service awards.

It was wonderful to be able to recognise the hard work of these members, who gave so much to our community during not only the operational response in the floods, but long afterwards.

Congratulations to Unit Commander Elizabeth, Geoff, Paul, Josh and Robyn on receiving your citation. Additionally, Elizabeth was presented with her 5-Year Long Service Pin.

A big thank you to NSW SES North Eastern Zone Commander Rhys Gloury for presenting the awards, as well as for all the ongoing support for our unit.

Congratulations to all the recipients, we’re very proud of you all.

05/05/2026

Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues affected by last night’s tragedy in Ballina.

We extend our deepest condolences to everyone at Marine Rescue NSW. The loss of fellow volunteers is felt profoundly across our entire emergency services community.

We also acknowledge the life lost in the incident they were responding to, and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones.

We honour the selfless dedication of those who serve, always putting their communities before themselves.

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

04/04/2026

Hello darkness my old friend, it’s about to be dark at 5pm! 🌙✨

The clocks are going back an hour tonight, so enjoy the extra time you’ll gain - you could even spend it on clearing out your gutters! 😉

As we continue into the long weekend and school holidays, ensure you stay prepared for any weather at home or away by monitoring warnings via the Hazards Near Me app.

🚗 Stay safe on the roads by checking conditions with Live Traffic NSW before travelling.

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

08/03/2026

🌟 Celebrating an Inspiring Leader – Congratulations Janet! 🌟

A huge congratulations to Janet Pettit on being named 2026 Woman of the Year! 👏

As a Community Capability Officer for the NSW State Emergency Service North Eastern Zone, Janet has dedicated countless hours to strengthening our communities, supporting volunteers, and helping ensure people across the region are better prepared for emergencies.

Her passion, leadership and commitment to building resilient communities truly makes a difference every single day.

This award is a well-deserved recognition of the impact Janet has across the North East and beyond. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of the NSW State Emergency Service family.

Congratulations Janet – thank you for everything you do for our volunteers, our communities, and the Service. 💛