The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) formally concluded its response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred today (Friday 14 March 2025), following a busy period for volunteers who responded to 7,650 incidents over the last 15 days.
During the response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, NSW SES:
- Received 13,969 calls for assistance
- Responded to 7650 incidents
- Completed 90 flood rescues
- Issued 1142 warning products
- Deployed 3300 SES volunteers to assist communities
- Coordinated the deployment and operations of 621 emergency service partner personnel
- Completed 70 resupply missions to isolated communities
- Undertaken more than 2500 damage assessments
Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought destructive winds, heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across northern New South Wales, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The NSW SES led an extensive emergency response, with volunteers and emergency service partner agencies working tirelessly to protect and support impacted communities.
Throughout the response, NSW SES conducted critical flood rescue operations, as well as resupply operations to isolated communities, ensuring essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine reached those in need. Volunteers also supported damage assessments across affected areas, leading multi-agency teams to evaluate the extent of destruction and assist in planning for recovery efforts.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:
“The SES have led the response, and I would like to thank our emergency service volunteers and all emergency service partners, who have worked tirelessly to keep communities in Northern NSW safe.”
“During my time in the Northern Rivers this week I have seen emergency services and Government agencies coming together, and I have heard feedback from the community that this support has been welcomed.”
“Volunteers came from across the state, including Bankstown, Mount Druitt and as far as the Illawarra, leaving their jobs and families behind to lend a helping hand. We have seen people come together in support of one another, demonstrating the spirit of NSW, with many also putting their hand up to join our volunteer ranks.
“I’m proud to see all the emergency services – NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, and VRA Rescue NSW– join the NSW SES to respond to this cyclone.
“As we move towards recovery, we are continuing to support the communities of Northern NSW.”
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM:
“I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated volunteers, partner agencies and communities who played a crucial role during this disaster.
“This has been an incredibly challenging event for many communities, and I want to sincerely thank our NSW SES volunteers for their unwavering dedication and commitment in responding to this crisis.
“Our volunteers, alongside partner agencies, emergency services, and community groups, worked around the clock to conduct flood rescues, respond to calls for assistance and provide critical support where it was needed most. Their efforts have been truly remarkable.”
“As we transition from response to recovery, we know the road ahead will be difficult for many. The NSW Reconstruction Authority will now lead the rebuilding and recovery efforts, ensuring impacted residents and businesses receive the support they need.
“I encourage everyone to continue looking out for one another and to seek support if needed. Recovery is a long process, but with the strength and resilience we’ve seen across our communities, I have no doubt we will rebuild stronger.
“While we are formally handing over to NSW Reconstruction today (Friday 14 March 2025), our volunteers will continue to work with affected and isolated communities and provide support where needed.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO, Mal Lanyon:
“I’d like to thank the SES for the outstanding work they have undertaken with communities across the Northern parts of NSW during Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Their early preparedness with communities made a significant contribution to saving lives.
“The NSW Reconstruction Authority will now formally lead the recovery operations beginning with our teams on the ground with our Recovery Partners to provide tailored support for people to return to their daily lives.
“I have appointed Superintendent Scott Tanner as the Recovery Coordinator for the areas impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred to ensure there is a local focus and we can quickly recover our community.
“We will have in-person support available through our Recovery Assistance Points and Mobile Outreach, which have just begun operating at a number of central locations, and I would also encourage any members of the community who need support or to understand what services are available to access through www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery.
“The NSW reconstruction authority looks forward to working closely alongside with the community.”
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234
Photo: Coutts Crossing, NSW 13 March 2025