More reasons than ever to celebrate our volunteers
Published on 30 May 2025
This year's National Volunteer Week 2025, from May 19-25, celebrated the power of volunteering to bring people together with the theme ‘Connecting Communities’.
Meanwhile, here in the Macleay, our community has experienced yet another flood, this time a major flood, which overtopped the levees in the CBD and Smithtown, inundating homes, businesses and farms, and isolating our villages and towns from the coast to the mountains.
In times of emergency, the volunteer force that makes up our SES literally keep our communities connected, as they coordinate the emergency response, working with council, the Police, the RFS and other levels of government and frontline organisations to keep our communities safe and informed.
We have also seen community groups and members, some locals and some from out of the area, roll up their sleeves and pitch in to help with whatever resources they have available - whether that is the Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club providing essential trips across the Corduroy for medical appointments, medications, and emergencies, or individuals helping to remove mud and flood damaged furnishings from homes and businesses.
Australians are renowned across the world for the way we come together and help out in times of natural disaster - again and again we see our amazing rural communities pull together in times of trouble, helping out friends, neighbours and strangers, simply because it needs to be done.
The SES is managing a significant number of spontaneous volunteers to help clean up after this event, and have shared some guidelines to assist those people who want to help out:
If you or your organisation is planning to coordinate a team to assist, please reach out to our NSW SES team at sponvol@ses.nsw.gov.au
During disasters, communities and Government agencies come together to help those affected. These situations can be chaotic, so clear communication and coordination are vital to ensure everyone’s safety and that support reaches those who need it most.
Emergency services are already on the ground and managing the response, so it's important to coordinate with them to avoid confusion or duplication.
Here’s how you and your group can help safely and effectively:
- Let NSW SES know where and how you plan to help.
- Team up with existing groups or join coordinated efforts already underway.
- Make safety your top priority—don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Share what you see—report any important observations to emergency services.
- Nominate a team leader to stay in contact with emergency services.
- Track your activities—keep a simple record of what you’ve done and who’s involved.
- Always follow the directions of emergency service as they're there to protect your group and the wider community. Some areas may be unsafe or may not need the type of support you're offering at that time.
- NSW SES can also connect you with other organisations active in the area.
- Before heading out, ensure your team has appropriate gear: enclosed shoes, gloves, eye protection, high-vis clothing, and masks if needed.