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Upgrades to the NSW SES Packsaddle Unit have been unveiled, with improvement works making the facility fit-for-purpose so local volunteers can continue to respond to emergency call outs. 

More than $223,000 was committed to the unit upgrades, which include new toilets and shower facilities, a kitchen and operational space. 

The Packsaddle Unit was formed in 2010, after it was identified there was a need for rescue capabilities and flood and storm response in the rural community. 

NSW SES Acting Commissioner, Debbie Platz APM officially opened the upgraded facility and said local SES members will now be better placed to support Packsaddle and surrounding communities, particularly in response to general land rescue incidents on rural properties, and road crash rescues on the Silver City Highway. 

“It’s very exciting to be able to not only open this new facility but to recognise and celebrate the dedicated work of our volunteers,” Acting Commissioner Platz said. 

“Packsaddle 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.” 

The NSW SES Unit also houses the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) clinic each fortnight, allowing the delivery of primary health services including dental and mental healthcare in the community. 

RFDS South Eastern Section Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shannon Nott, said in addition to RFDS retrieval teams working closely with Packsaddle SES volunteers when a medical emergency occurs, the Flying Doctor has been delivering its primary health clinic from the Packsaddle SES Unit for over a decade. 

"As healthcare professionals, access to modern, private and spacious facilities is so important. And of course, with the wide range of healthcare services we provide, we also need a flexible space that can accommodate different requirements. The new unit ticks all of these boxes and we are sure will make a positive difference to our clinicians and to our patients," Dr Nott said.

"Both the RFDS and the SES are volunteer organisations doing important work for our communities, and through our collaboration and sharing resources like this amazing new unit, we greatly enhance our impact for the community.” 

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler thanked the NSW Government for investing in remote areas like Packsaddle. 

“The SES and RFDS will benefit from this upgrade. The dedicated volunteers who operate the SES in Packsaddle deserve good facilities to carry out their important work,” Mr Butler said. 

“I'd like to thank the Minister (for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib) for his continued attention to regional and remote volunteer rescue agencies." 

Wonnaminta Station manager John Murray said the work of both emergency services in the rural community was vital and had saved several lives. 

“We cannot emphasise the relief we have felt when the Packsaddle SES team have turned up to an incident. The care they show the affected persons, and how calm, organised and competent they are in their roles, is a credit to the volunteers,” Mr Murray said. 

“The Packsaddle SES volunteers are selfless people who drop everything in their busy lives, putting their own work commitments and the running of their own businesses on hold, be it day or night.” 

Acting Commissioner Platz also presented several awards to local members, including long service awards. 

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

For help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.