NSWSESVA Update - October 2025

Dear Members,

We’ve got plenty of exciting updates, opportunities, and ways to get involved with your Association! Take a moment to catch up below.

Call for Photos – 2026 NSW SESVA Calendar

It’s that exciting time again — we’re creating the 2026 NSW SES Volunteers Association Calendar!

We’re inviting all NSW SES volunteers and units to send in your best photos from training, operations, community events and everything in between — the moments that capture the spirit, dedication and teamwork of our incredible volunteers.

Submissions close: 11 November 2025
Send photos to: office@nswsesva.org.au

All photos received will be uploaded to our Facebook page for voting — and as always, the most-voted images will feature in the official 2026 NSW SESVA Calendar -distributed FREE to all members.

Let’s make this calendar one to remember!

Free Copies of The Volunteer Magazine

Were you or your unit featured in the latest edition of The Volunteer? Or would you like extra copies to share around your unit or community?

We have free copies available for members — simply email office@nswsesva.org.au to request yours.

This edition includes:

• Technical Paraglider Rescue

• Our 2025 Rotary Award recipients

• Frontline Heroes Family Fun Day

• “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” program

• SHQ Brewing Up A Storm

• Youth Internship Program & Blood Drive

• AIPM and Emerging Leaders reports

• WHS report from SESVA’s own Smolly

• Member stories, profiles and more!

Don’t miss out on this inspiring issue celebrating our volunteers and community spirit.

If you would like to feature an article in the December edition of The Volunteer Magazine - Please also send in your submissions by the 11th November to office@nswsesva.org.au

2025 Scholarships – Applications Now Open

The President’s & Vice President’s Scholarships are officially open for 2025!
These scholarships support our members’ professional and personal development to help strengthen volunteer capability across the NSW SES.

Available Scholarships:

• President’s Scholarship: up to $10,000
  Theme: How will your project improve the NSW State Emergency Service?

• Vice President’s Scholarship: up to $5,000
  Theme: How will your project improve the member experience in the NSW SES?

Applications close: 1 November 2025
Request a Scholarship Guide: office@nswsesva.org.au
Apply or learn more: nswsesva.org.au/nsw-sesva-scholarships-2025

General Support for Members

Did you know the SESVA provides free care packages and flower deliveries to support volunteers who are unwell or grieving the loss of a loved one?

Applications can be made anytime via www.nswsesva.org.au (General Support button on homepage).

Our wonderful Flower Coordinator, Pat Johnson, ensures all deliveries are arranged within 24 hours of approval — just one of the many ways we’re here to support our volunteers.

Free Introductory Auslan Courses

As part of our member benefits, the SESVA is funding free introductory Auslan courses for members, delivered by DeafConnect, a nationally recognised training provider.

Please note: course locations are set by DeafConnect.
To register your interest: office@nswsesva.org.au
Places are limited, so get in early!

Become an SESVA Unit Ambassador

We’re seeking enthusiastic members to represent their units as Volunteers Association Ambassadors.

Ambassadors share information, listen to member feedback and help spread awareness of SESVA programs, welfare assistance, grants, advocacy work and more.

Apply today at: nswsesva.org.au/volunteers-association

Need a Training or Meeting Space?

Our Rockdale Training Facility is available for bookings — perfect for training sessions, meetings, or conferences.

• Smart TVs for presentations
• Onsite parking
• Modern, comfortable facilities

Book online: www.sesvaevents.com
Email: office@nswsesva.org.au

Thank you for your ongoing service, dedication and support.
Together, we continue to make a difference for volunteers and communities across NSW.

Warm regards,

The NSW SES Volunteers Association Team
office@nswsesva.org.au
www.nswsesva.org.au