Two brand new response vehicles have been delivered to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Coffs Harbour Unit, as the unit celebrates 60 years of service to the community.
During floods, storms, search and rescue response, the NSW SES Coffs Harbour Unit has shown up to help its local community through times of need.
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Operational Capability and Training Daniel Austin proudly visited the Coffs Harbour Unit to mark the special occasion.
“With more than half a century of exemplary service to Coffs Harbour and the people of New South Wales, it has been impressive to see how our volunteers have continued to thrive,” Mr Austin said.
The anniversary celebrations were also an opportunity for the Unit to receive two brand new response vehicles from the NSW Government. Approximately$116.04 million has been provided over 10 years through the NSW SES Fleet Replacement Program.
“These new vehicles will boost the capabilities of the Coffs Harbours Unit, especially with the increase in storm activity experienced so far this year,” Deputy Commissioner Austin said.
“These state-of-the-art vehicles will be an invaluable resource to our volunteers when future storms and floods strike.”
The vehicles include a Gen 1 Light Rescue Toyota Landcruiser which can be used to carry out general land rescues including searches for missing people, and a General Purpose Isuzu D-MAX Crew Cab 4×4 which is extremely versatile and can transport an inflated rescue craft during a flood rescue response.
The Coffs Harbour Unit, formed in 1964, has been through several major natural disasters, including multiple major flooding events in 1991,1996 and 2009.
NSW SES Coffs Coast Local Commander, Chief Inspector Jeannie Veitch, said it’s been a busy few years responding to flooding and severe storms.
“Over the last 12 months our local SES volunteers have responded to more than 360 incidents. Over a three-year period, we have responded to more than 3070 incidents,” Chief Inspector Veitch said.
“This includes the 2021 hailstorm which swept through Coffs Harbour, damaging hundreds of properties and requiring a huge response effort from volunteers attached to the NSW SES Coffs Harbour Unit.
“Our volunteers also help out across the state and have supported major flooding campaigns and events, including record-breaking flooding in the Northern Rivers and Western NSW.”
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
