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The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has today opened a new purpose-built headquarters in Coonamble, which will help coordinate emergency responses across the state’s central-western plains.

The Coonamble SES Unit formed in June 1980, with the local community recognising a need to develop resilience in times of flooding and other storm related activities.

The NSW SES new Coonamble Unit is valued at more than $1,500,000 and was funded by Coonamble Shire Council with a grant contribution from the NSW Government. Planning and design of the building commenced in 2019 with design input from local volunteers.

NSW SES Deputy Commissioner, Damien Johnston officially opened the facility today and said local SES members will now be better placed to support the Coonamble and surrounding communities, particularly in response to storm and flood related incidents.

“It is very exciting to be able to come together to not only open this new facility but celebrate the dedicated work of our volunteers,” Deputy Commissioner Johnston said.

“I’d like to acknowledge the ongoing support from the Coonamble Shire Council and the completion of this important project. This new facility is a building that the volunteers can be proud of while supporting their community. It will provide a space for members to undertake training to be operationally ready to continue to manage and respond to flood and storm, general rescue, large animal rescue and other emergency events.”

Coonamble Shire Council General Manager, Paul Gallagher, said “the Coonamble SES Unit is a vital team of volunteers in our community during times of crisis, and this new facility will mean greater responsiveness from our team and no doubt increase membership.”

“Council has worked closely with NSW SES on the delivery of this new facility, and we look forward to working closely with the unit to ensure the safety of our community.”

NSW SES Coonamble Unit Commander, Shiralee Robinson praised the unit’s ongoing improvements.

“Coonamble is a small unit but plays an integral role in the local and surrounding communities, providing tireless support and essential services to people in need,” Inspector Robinson said.

“This new facility allows the unit to enhance its capabilities and improve its response times by providing access to new and upgraded equipment, technology and assets.”

It includes garages to house the new generation of advanced NSW SES rescue vehicles and boats, storage for rescue equipment, offices, a training room, kitchen facilities, locker room facilities and a laundry.

Deputy Commissioner Johnston took the opportunity to present several awards to local members, including five national emergency medals for efforts in the 2019-2020 bushfires, one national medal, ten long service awards and several Commissioner’s Unit Citations.

“It’s always an honour to present awards to our devoted volunteers and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of them. Their steadfast dedication truly embodies the core mission of the NSW SES in protecting lives and building safer communities,” Deputy Commissioner Johnston said.