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Media Release: NEWCASTLE EMERGENCY RESPONSES BOOSTED THROUGH UPGRADED SES FACILITY

NSW SES

Key Facts:

Refurbishment of a new NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Unit facility in Newcastle is now underway, to deliver a fit-for-purpose, modern building for local volunteers to protect the Newcastle community.

Backed by a $4.5 million investment from the NSW Government, the refurbished headquarters will equip the NSW SES City of Newcastle Unit with critical infrastructure designed to speed up emergency response times during severe weather and natural disasters.

The new facility will include an Incident Command Centre fit with cutting-edge technology to streamline real-time storm and flood operations, modern fleet garages custom-designed to house the next-generation rescue vehicles and floodwater rescue boats and expanded storage space for life-saving gear and modern administration facilities.

It will also be equipped with the latest technology to support emergency operations, ensuring volunteers are ready to respond to floods and storms.

The announcement comes after the NSW SES City of Newcastle Unit was moved into a temporary headquarters in August 2024. Since then, City of Newcastle Council purchased an existing Mayfield West building to secure a permanent home for the NSW SES City of Newcastle Unit.

Council is managing the project in close collaboration with local SES volunteers to ensure the detailed design meets operational needs.

The construction contract has been awarded to local builder Kingston Building with completion expected by mid-2027.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“We’re proud to support NSW SES volunteers, which means ensuring they have state of the art facilities to carry out flood and storm emergency response.

“Locals across Newcastle rely on SES volunteers to be there when it matters most, and this new facility is about backing our volunteers with the resources they need to carry out their vital, lifesaving work.

“The new facility will include an Incident Command Centre fit with cutting-edge technology for real-time storm and flood operations, modern fleet garages custom-designed to house the next-generation of rescue vehicle and boats.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The volunteers across the Hunter are the backbone of our community. When the rain falls and floodwaters rise, they step up, and we’re making sure they have the resources and support to do their job safely.

“When storms and floods hit, our communities rely on SES volunteers to be there. This new facility gives them a stronger base to respond quickly and builds greater resilience across our region.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said: 

“This new facility is an investment in Newcastle that will ensure our local volunteers have the space, technology, and operational capacity to protect our communities when extreme weather hits."

NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM said:

“This new unit will give our members in Newcastle a safe, modern and functional base so they can continue to serve with their community during floods, storms and other emergencies.

“Having the right facilities and resources means our volunteers can continue to respond quickly and effectively, protecting lives and supporting the people of Newcastle.

“I thank the City of Newcastle Council for their continued support of the NSW SES and our local volunteers in purchasing this facility.”

City of Newcastle Councillor Declan Clausen said:

“The State Emergency Service is there for Newcastle when our community needs them most. From storms and floods to rescues and recovery, our local SES volunteers make an extraordinary contribution to keeping our city safe and resilient.

“When the Newcastle Unit needed a new permanent home, City of Newcastle stepped up and purchased this site. We are proud to have worked with the SES to secure and develop these new, fit-for-purpose headquarters, which will ensure the tireless volunteers have the modern facilities they need.”

“This is exactly the kind of community infrastructure we want to invest in: a permanent asset that backs our volunteers, strengthens our emergency response capability and makes Newcastle safer.”

Contact details:

NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234 or [email protected]