The State Emergency Service Association of NSW was proud to attend today’s official opening of the new NSW SES Parkes Unit facility, marking a significant investment in emergency service capability for Parkes and the wider Central West region.
Association President Nick Aisake attended the opening alongside NSW SES members, local government representatives, community leaders, and dignitaries from across government and local emergency services.
The new facility, delivered through a joint partnership between Parkes Shire Council, the NSW Government, and the Australian Government, represents an investment of close to $5 million into strengthening emergency management capability and community resilience in the region.
The official proceedings included a number of vehicle and vessel handovers, further enhancing local operational capability, including:
- Community First Responder Vehicle for the Gooloogong Unit
- Inflatable Rescue Boat for the Forbes Unit
- State Light Flood Rescue Vehicle housed at the Forbes Unit
The upgraded Parkes Unit facility delivers a major capability boost not only for the local community, but also for the broader region during large-scale emergencies and disaster operations.
The Parkes Unit maintains specialist rescue accreditation in:
- On Water Flood Rescue
- In Water Flood Rescue
- Vertical Rescue
- General Land Rescue
These capabilities allow local volunteers to train and to respond to a wide range of complex emergencies, from flood and storm operations through to general land rescues, road crash rescues and vertical rescues.
Speaking following the event, Association President Nick Aisake said the investment reflects the importance of ensuring NSW SES volunteers have access to modern facilities and operational resources.
“Today’s opening represents a major investment in frontline emergency service capability for Parkes and the wider region. Modern facilities, enhanced rescue resources, and specialist operational capability directly support volunteers in protecting their communities.”
“The Association acknowledges the strong collaboration between the Parkes Shire Council, the NSW Government, the Australian Government, NSW SES leadership, and local volunteers whose commitment and advocacy helped make this project possible.”
The new facility represents a significant uplift in operational capability for the Parkes Unit, providing modern infrastructure that strengthens emergency response capacity across the region while also future-proofing the Unit for continued growth, expanded membership, enhanced training opportunities, and evolving operational demands.
The Association congratulates the members of the NSW SES Parkes Unit on this important milestone and thanks all agencies, partners, and supporters involved in delivering the project.
