NSW SES Volunteers Association

25/08/2026

🚨 EAT. SLEEP. RESPOND. REPEAT. 🚨

It’s more than a saying – it’s a lifestyle first responders know all too well!

Check out our Eat. Sleep. Respond. merchandise range, created for the first responder community and those who proudly support them.

Whether you're treating yourself, looking for a gift for a fellow volunteer or simply want to show your first responder pride, head over to the NSW SES Volunteers Association online shop and explore the range.

🛍️ Shop online today:
www.nswsesva.org.au/shop

EAT. SLEEP. RESPOND. REPEAT. 🧡

24/08/2026

🧡 Join the NSW SES Volunteers Association - FREE 🧡

The NSW SES Volunteers Association is here to support, represent and give back to the volunteers who give so much to communities across NSW.

If you are a NSW SES volunteer but haven't joined the NSW SESVA yet, becoming a member is quick, easy and completely FREE.

Being a member gives you access to a range of support, opportunities and benefits, including:

🧡 Member support & advocacy
💰 Grants and financial support programs
🎓 Training & development opportunities
🏡 Access to NSW SESVA facilities and our rural retreat
📰 The Volunteer Magazine
🤝 Member events, initiatives and opportunities
📣 A stronger collective voice for volunteers

There is no membership fee – just another way for us to support you throughout your volunteering journey.

NOT A MEMBER YET?
🌐 Visit www.nswsesva.org.au and become a member today.

NSW SES Volunteers Association – supporting NSW SES Volunteers since

NSW SES, NSW SESVA & Eat Sleep Respond Apparel & Merchandise

24/08/2026

📣 **HAVE YOUR SAY – EMERGENCY SERVICES FUNDING INQUIRY**

The NSW SES Volunteers Association has again been asked to provide feedback to the Emergency Services Funding Inquiry.

For nearly 30 years, the SESVA has represented members’ experiences through inquiries and reviews. As the volunteer representative body formally recognised under the NSW SES Act, we will continue advocating for improved funding, resources, safety and support for NSW SES volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who has already provided information. We now invite all NSW SES members to confidentially share their experiences and views at:

📧 **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])**

Your experience matters, and your feedback helps ensure the voices of NSW SES volunteers are heard by government.

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/parliamentary-business/committees/committee-details?committeeId=342

Don't forget to update your membership details with us www.nswsesva.org.au

Kristy McBain MP
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
National SES Volunteers Association
NSW Government

The Parliament of New South Wales stands on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We proudly acknowledge all the Aboriginal peoples of New South Wales and honour their enduring connection to the lands, waters and sky of the State.

22/08/2026

It’s fabulous to see the NSW SES Volunteers Association Rural facility being used by volunteers from both the NSW SES and NSW Rural Fire Service for a multi-agency training session 🧡💙❤️💙

🚒 Nerriga Brigade – Training Together 🤝

Today, two of our Nerriga Brigade members are joining members from the Southern Tablelands NSW SES Windellama Unit & NSW SES - Goulburn Unit and our neighbouring NSW RFS - Windellama Brigade for a one-day First Aid course.

This training will give our brigade two more certified members who are able to provide first aid and support in an emergency while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. 🩺🚑

It’s fantastic to see our local emergency services working together, building skills and supporting each other to help keep our communities safe.

A big thank you to everyone giving up their time today to complete this important training. 👏

Stronger together, supporting our community. ❤️🚒

21/08/2026

In light of the recent tragedy, the NSW SES Volunteers Association will not be making public comments about the circumstances of this heartbreaking event, while active police and coronial investigations are underway.

This is a time for families, friends and communities to grieve, and for the rescuers involved to rest, recover and receive the care and support they may need. Their privacy, wellbeing and dignity must remain the priority.

For nearly 30 years, the NSW SES Volunteers Association has quietly provided real, practical and ongoing support to members of the NSW SES. That support continues and remains available to every member who may be affected, as well as their families.

We sincerely thank the many members who have contacted us. 𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐒𝐖 𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞, 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞.

The NSW SES Volunteers Association is the only association formally recognised under the NSW SES Act to represent volunteers, and we continue to provide advocacy through established and appropriate processes. It is the only fully independent association for NSW SES volunteers.

Any NSW SES member seeking confidential support or assistance can find further information through our website, www.nswsesva.org.au

Please take care of yourselves and one another.

National SES Volunteers Association
Kristy McBain MP
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government

21/08/2026

🧡💙 Out of respect for what our NSW SES members, our broader Emergency Services family and of course those directly impacted by the events of this week have been through, tonight we are all cherishing what we have and what is closest to us.

The NSW SES Volunteers Association will be running additional mental health support courses in affected areas and we will make these available to first responders who have been involved.

As always, please reach out if you or one of yours needs support. 💙🧡

20/08/2026

🌿 ESCAPE TO WINDELLAMA – YOUR SESVA RURAL RETREAT

Looking for a chance to switch off, slow down and enjoy some time away?

The NSW SES Volunteers Association Windellama Rural Retreat is available for our members to book and enjoy – giving you the opportunity to escape the everyday and spend some time surrounded by fresh air, open space and peaceful country surroundings.

Whether you're planning a relaxing getaway, some quality time with family or friends, or simply want a change of scenery, Windellama is a great place to rest, recharge and reconnect.

🏡 Enjoy a rural getaway
🌿 Relax and experience nature
🔥 Unwind around the campfire
✨ Spend quality time with family or friends
🌙 Switch off and enjoy the peace and quiet

Our volunteers give so much of their time to supporting their communities – Windellama is a place for you to enjoy.

📅 Ready for your next getaway?
Email [email protected] to book

20/08/2026

🧡 Thinking of everyone affected

At this deeply sad and difficult time, the NSW SES Volunteers Association extends its heartfelt thoughts to the young woman’s family, friends, loved ones and the wider community.

We sincerely thank every emergency service member, volunteer, support agency and community member involved in the search. Your care, commitment and determination reflect the very best of our emergency services. We also acknowledge those who worked quietly behind the scenes—coordinating resources, supporting search teams, preparing meals and equipment, and caring for those returning from the field.

Searches involving a young person can affect people deeply. For those involved, the emotional impact may not be immediate and can sometimes emerge in the days or weeks ahead. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

Please look after yourself and one another. Take time to rest, eat properly, stay hydrated and reconnect with the people who make you feel safe. It is okay to step away, to feel upset, to talk about what you experienced or simply to sit quietly with someone you trust. Checking in with a fellow responder can make an enormous difference—a simple “How are you really going?” may be exactly what someone needs.

Confidential support for NSW SES members:

• NSW SES Member Assistance Program — 1300 361 008
• NSW SES Peer Support and Chaplaincy — 1800 626 800
• NSW SES Volunteers Association — 1300 073 782
• Email the NSW SESVA — [email protected]

The NSW SESVA provides direct, independent and completely confidential support to every NSW SES member. You do not have to face a difficult time alone. Please call us if you need someone to talk to, practical assistance or help accessing further support.

Support available to all emergency service members and the community:

• Lifeline — 13 11 14
• Lifeline text support — 0477 13 11 14
• NSW Mental Health Line — 1800 011 511
• Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
• 13YARN — 13 92 76
• MensLine Australia — 1300 78 99 78
• Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800

Emergency service members can also contact their own agency’s peer-support, chaplaincy, wellbeing or employee-assistance service.

If you or another person is in immediate danger, please call Triple Zero (000).

To everyone involved in this search: thank you for everything you gave. Please now extend some of that same care, patience and compassion to yourselves and to one another. 🧡

19/08/2026

🚨 LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO TRAIN? 🚨

Did you know the NSW SES Volunteers Association Training Facility at Windellama is available for our members and NSW SES Units to book?

Set in a rural environment with plenty of space, Windellama provides a great location to bring your team together away from the everyday distractions of the Unit.

Whether you're planning training, team development or a Unit activity, Windellama provides an opportunity to train, connect and spend valuable time together.
🚨 Train together
🤝 Build stronger teams
🌿 Enjoy a dedicated rural environment
🏕️ Make use of the property and facilities

If your Unit has upcoming training or you're looking for a different location to bring your members together, consider Windellama for your next booking.

📅 Interested in booking the facility?
Email [email protected] to book

Windellama – supporting training, connection and our volunteer community. 🧡

18/08/2026

🧡 NEED SUPPORT? WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.

Being a volunteer can sometimes come with challenging situations, and you don’t always have to navigate them on your own.

The NSW SES Volunteers Association Advocacy Support Service is here to provide our members with guidance, support and someone in their corner when they need it.

Whether you’re dealing with a concern, unsure about a process or simply need help understanding your options, we encourage you to reach out.

Our team can listen, provide guidance and help you work through the next steps.

📧 Need advocacy support?
Contact the NSW SES Volunteers Association Office at [email protected]

Supporting our members when it matters. 🧡