A new Light Storm Vehicle, General Purpose Vehicle and an inflatable rescue boat have now been delivered to the Wyong Unit, ensuring local volunteers have the purpose-built equipment needed to keep communities safe.
These two vehicles and the vessel will support the NSW SES Wyong Unit to continue responding to storms, floods and other emergencies across Wyong and surrounding communities, following a fire earlier this year that destroyed the unit’s headquarters facility and its contents. This enhancement is in addition to the light flood rescue LandCruiser delivered immediately after the fire in May.
The Wyong Unit has continued to provide storm and flood response to the local community since the fire, with operational coverage supported by neighbouring NSW SES Units including Swansea, Gosford and Cooranbong.
Essential supplies continue to be temporarily stored at the Charmhaven Fire Control Centre, while NSW SES works with the local council to identify a temporary Unit Headquarters facility.
Wyong SES members also have access to Wyong RSL, a Transport NSW depot and other community facilities to undertake training nights.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
“I would like to thank the hardworking Wyong SES volunteers and neighboring units who continue to be there for their communities when storms, floods and emergencies happen.
“Our SES volunteers don’t stop showing up when things get tough, and the response from the Wyong Unit following the fire in May is a true example of that dedication. Despite losing their headquarters and equipment, they continued answering the call and supporting their community from temporary locations.
“These new vehicles and rescue boat will ensure the Wyong Unit has the equipment it needs to continue protecting the community. When people call the SES they need to know that help is on the way, and the NSW Government will continue to support local volunteers so they can respond safely and effectively.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris
“I applaud the Wyong SES Unit’s volunteers for their resilience and commitment in continuing to serve our community in the wake of the fire that destroyed the unit’s Levitt street headquarters, vehicles and equipment in May.
“Receiving these new vehicles and vessel is a major milestone in rebuilding capacity of the Wyong unit to respond to emergencies and support their community when they need it the most.
“I would also like to thank our neighbouring SES units in Swansea, Gosford and Cooranbong, the Charmhaven Fire Control Centre and Wyong RSL for all their support of the Wyong SES Unit to continue operating since the fire.”
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing ASFM:
“The delivery of this Light Storm Vehicle, General Purpose Vehicle and flood rescue vessel is an important step in continuing to restore capability for the Wyong Unit following the fire earlier this year.
“The Wyong Unit has shown outstanding resilience and commitment, continuing to support the community while working through temporary arrangements.
“These assets will help our dedicated members work alongside their community more safely and effectively when the next storm or flood emergency comes.”
