Frequently asked questions

As the NSW SES is a volunteer organisation, not all NSW SES Units are staffed during business hours.

Contact our volunteer experience team by emailing experience@ses.nsw.gov.au or alternatively you can call our volunteering information line on 1800 201 000. Our teams will put you in touch with your local Unit or Volunteer Engagement Officer.

Volunteers can join the NSW SES from 16 years of age and still participate in most NSW SES activities. Volunteers under 18 must complete a Parent and Guardian Consent form at the time of joining.
 

People who hold a temporary visa can usually volunteer, however, this depends on the type of temporary visa held.

Visa holders can check their visa details and conditions online at the Department of Home Affairs VEVO website.

If you are unsure, or have further questions please contact experience@ses.nsw.gov.au

Of course you can. The NSW SES has a variety of ways you can volunteer, designed to provide every community member opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteering, no matter what their personal circumstance may be.

For Unit Volunteering, the application form provides a section for you to disclose any disabilities and your required adjustments to facilitate your request. 

Check out the other volunteer categories here, and submit an expression of interest for the type of volunteering that best suits you.

To get in touch with your local Unit, call the Volunteer Information line on 1800 201 00 or contact the Volunteer Experience team at experience@ses.nsw.gov.au

Thank you for applying to become a member of the NSW State Emergency Service.

To check the status of your application please use the Self-help dashboard. Simply enter your first and last name, date of birth and the email address you put on your application.

If you require additional details on the status of your application please email membership@ses.nsw.gov.au with your enquiry, noting your first and last name, date of birth and the email address you put on your application.

Yes you can!

Spontaneous volunteers are community members who volunteer in one-off events to support the NSW SES during emergencies.

Spontaneous volunteers work closely with the NSW SES and local communities before, during and after disasters. Visit the Spontaneous volunteer page to explore your volunteer options further.
 

If you have ceased your membership with NSW SES, you will need to reapply. There is an option for 'rejoining member' within our Online Application form.

There is a 21 day processing period from the date you submit your application to the time you receive notification about your application. Only after this time can we investigate the tracking of your application.

If you have not received any contact from the NSW SES after the 21 day period has lapsed, please contact experience@ses.nsw.gov.au to find out what stage your application is up to.

Yes. This can be discussed with the unit at the time of your initial interview and your application can be reassigned.

Yes! We do host Open Days at our Units so you can come along and see what we are all about. Visit our upcoming Community events page on our website or search for your local Unit on Facebook.

Yes. All applications to volunteer for NSW SES undergo a National Police History Check and suitability assessments are conducted. Discussions regarding the results of these checks will be held with you where required.

Centrelink clients can elect to volunteer as part of their activity requirements – if that is in their contract.

Centrelink clients can choose to volunteer at a particular not-for-profit organisation, as part of their activity requirement, as long as that organisation is on Centrelink’s approved list.

Each Centrelink client must always check the conditions of their contract in the first instance.

For more information visit www.humanservices.gov.au or contact Centrelink on 132 850. 

Yes. If a staff member joins as a volunteer, or a volunteer becomes a staff member, a second member number will be issued. The accounts are separate, however qualifications and contact details are linked. 

We are more than happy to help you. Just call the Volunteering Information line on 1800 201 000.