Established in 1975, the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) evolved from the former Queensland Civil Defence Organisation that had been in operation since 1961.
In November 1973, a tornado caused considerable damage in the Brisbane area and the Civil Defence Organisation was activated to assist for the first time in disaster relief. Following this was the 1974 devastating flooding event which also severely damaged Brisbane.
In 1975, the state government introduced ... Read More
Established in 1975, the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) evolved from the former Queensland Civil Defence Organisation that had been in operation since 1961.
In November 1973, a tornado caused considerable damage in the Brisbane area and the Civil Defence Organisation was activated to assist for the first time in disaster relief. Following this was the 1974 devastating flooding event which also severely damaged Brisbane.
In 1975, the state government introduced the State Counter-Disaster Organisation Act 1975 (SCDO Act) which established the SES.
The SES was established because the Queensland government recognised the need for a centralised service that could support a response to natural disasters.
While initially focused on flood response, the role of SES has expanded over time to cover a range of emergency and non-emergency situations, including storms, cyclones, land searches, community engagement and other support to partner agencies. The organisation is now a key part of Queensland’s broader emergency management capability.
Today the SES is an emergency and rescue service dedicated to assisting the Queensland community. We have become a volunteer-based emergency service organisation whose role is to prepare for and respond to emergencies across Queensland 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year.
We have around 5,000 volunteers operating across Queensland, through 76 units across 7 regions supported by 11 Regional Headquarters and a State Headquarters located in Brisbane.
Our volunteers bring with them a broad range of professions, skills, experience, and backgrounds all drawn together by a common purpose – to support our communities. We train and respond to emergencies together, and the experiences we share lay the foundations for life-long friendships.
Up-to-date training provides our people with real life skills and knowledge that is used during emergencies, and throughout life. Uniforms and equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment, are provided to support the role of SES.
We form part of the broader government response effort in times of substantial community need. Volunteers maintain a broad range of capabilities that span the phases of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (PPRR).
We provide support for non-life-threatening emergency situations during floods, storms or other similar events. We also provide community education, and we support community events and activities, such as football events, open days, fetes, agricultural and royal shows.
SES has played a key support role in responding to major emergencies, including 2010-11 Queensland Floods, Tropical Cyclone (TC) Oswald and associated flooding in 2013, TC Debbie in 2017, Queensland bushfires in 2019, Covid response in 2020, major Queensland flooding in 2022, Cyclone Jasper in 2023, and South Queensland severe storms 2023.
All donations directly support our volunteers in their service of community and make a real and valuable difference. Donations are used to equip our volunteers to better perform their roles during disasters, emergency events and in support of community safety.
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