The SES Story
Victoria Street, Maitland, 1955
The SES is the most versatile and widely used rescue and public safety organisation in New South Wales
The State Emergency Services (as it was then known) was formed in April 1955, following disastrous floods across NSW that had caused substantial loss of life and massive damage to property. The government of the day recognised the need for a body of trained and disciplined volunteers with good local knowledge who would be available at short notice to help the community during such disasters. Later the same year, in view of the tense world situation at the time, the government decided there was a need for a civil defence organisation in the event of a nuclear attack. In September 1955, the two organisations merged under the leadership of Major General (later Sir) Ivan Dougherty. The new organisation was known as Civil Defence. In 1972, the State Emergency Services and Civil Defence Act was passed by Parliament. This Act remained in force until 1989, when it was replaced by the State Emergency Service Act. Currently the State Emergency Service is the most versatile and widely used rescue and public safety organisation in New South Wales. Over 10,000 volunteers spread all around the state help their communities during emergencies
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