NSW SESVA Update - March 2026

We hope everyone is staying safe and well. The NSW SES Volunteers Association team has been busy working on a number of initiatives aimed at supporting our members, strengthening volunteer wellbeing and continuing to advocate for the incredible work you do across the state.

Below is a snapshot of what we’ve been working on and some opportunities available for members right now.

NSW SESVA Fuel Support Program – Now Available

The NSW SES Volunteers Association is proud to launch our new Fuel Support Program, a welfare support initiative designed to support NSW SES members during the current fuel challenges affecting communities across New South Wales.

Many NSW SES volunteers rely on their own vehicles and personal fuel to attend training, respond to incidents, and support their local communities. With increasing fuel prices and supply issues impacting some areas, this program aims to provide practical support to volunteers and their families while helping ensure emergency response capability remains strong across the state.

 - Supporting NSW SES members and their communities
- Helping volunteers continue their vital work
- Ensuring communities receive the help they need

Applications now open

NSW SES members can apply through the Welfare section on our website: www.nswsesva.org.au

Further information can be found here - https://www.nswsesva.org.au/.../NSW_SES_VA_Fuel_Support...

This initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of NSW SES volunteers.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee
& Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Development Framework  – EOI Open

The NSW SES Volunteers Association is establishing an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee and we are inviting Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NSW SES members.

This Advisory Committee will help guide our reconciliation journey and support the development of the Association’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) while ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices inform our governance, volunteer support initiatives and future direction.

We are seeking 3–6 voluntary members from across NSW to join the group.

This is an important step in strengthening representation, cultural safety and inclusive leadership within our Association.

To express interest, please email: carlee.maccoll@nswsesva.org.au for more information

Mental Health First Aid Training – Register Your Interest

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our fellow volunteers and members remains a priority for the NSW SESVA.

We will soon be running online Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses as well as MHFA Refresher courses for those whose accreditation is due to expire.

These courses provide valuable skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges and support fellow volunteers when they need it most.

If you are interested in attending an upcoming course, please register your interest so we can notify you when new sessions open.

Register your interest at www.sesvaevents.com

NSW SESVA Windellama Rural Retreat – Limited Spots Available

Our Windellama Rural Retreat continues to provide a fantastic opportunity for NSW SES volunteers to step away from the demands of daily life and spend time connecting, reflecting and recharging in a peaceful environment.

Spots are limited, so if you have been considering attending, we encourage you to book early to secure your place.

This retreat has already received wonderful feedback from members who have attended.

For more information or to enquire about bookings, please contact office@nswsesva.org.au

The Volunteer Magazine – Submissions Closing Soon

A huge thank you to the many volunteers who have already submitted their stories, photos and articles for the upcoming edition of The Volunteer Magazine. We truly appreciate the time you take to share your experiences and celebrate the incredible work happening across NSW SES community.

Submissions close on 18 March 2026
Send your articles in to editor@nswsesva.org.au

If you haven’t yet submitted and would like to contribute, there is still time.
We welcome:

• Unit stories

• Operational highlights

• Volunteer achievements

• Community engagement stories

• Photos from training or deployments

Your stories help us showcase the dedication, resilience and spirit of NSW SES volunteers across the state.

Finally, thank you to each and every volunteer for the time, dedication and commitment you give to supporting your communities.

The NSW SES Volunteers Association remains committed to advocating for you, supporting your wellbeing and recognising the incredible work you do every day.

Stay safe and thank you for everything you do.

Kind regards,

NSW SES Volunteers Association
www.nswsesva.org.au
E: office@nswsesva.org.au