Through floods and fires, storms and searches over the past 50 years, Tasmanians have been putting their trust in the State Emergency Service during their time of need.
This year marks the 50th year of the establishment of the SES in Tasmania, with the milestone to be acknowledged today (30 May) at the 2026 State Fire and Emergency Services Conference in Hobart. The official anniversary will be recognised on 21 June 2026.
Tasmania SES Acting Executive Director Luke Flanagan said since it was established in 1976, the SES had grown into an essential part of Tasmania’s emergency management network.
“Often working in hazardous and unpredictable conditions, our SES members have demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and courage,” Mr Flanagan said.
“Their actions have not only saved lives but have also helped communities endure and recover from some of the most challenging events in Tasmania’s history.”
At the heart of Tasmania SES, Mr Flanagan said, is its people.
“From remote rural districts to regional centres and towns, local SES units provide a vital link between communities and emergency response, drawing strength from local knowledge, teamwork, and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.
“Volunteers and staff from diverse backgrounds come together with a shared purpose to promote and support community safety and resilience to floods and storms, respond effectively to storm, flood and other emergencies, and to enable a smooth transition from response to recovery.”
The Tasmania SES came into being in June 1976, replacing the Civil Defence and Emergency Services, which had operated through the 1960s and early 1970s.
Tasmania SES volunteers have responded to countless emergencies over the past 50 years, including floods, storms, landslips, road crash rescues, land search and rescue, and disaster recovery operations.
Long serving volunteer from Brighton SES Peter Geard has seen it all, joining the Regional Headquarters Unit (Hobart) when it formed in 1976 and then becoming a dual member by also joining Brighton SES when it formed 46 years ago.
The now 75-year-old said he took great pride in pulling on the bright orange overalls, and what that distinctive uniform stands for.
“It’s very rewarding being in the SES. Especially the satisfaction when you go to an emergency or a disaster and you can see that you’ve made some real difference to the community and helped someone at a time when they really needed it most,” Mr Geard said.
“And for me, the SES is like family. The SES and all the emergency services are a very close-knit family. We have each other’s back and support each other where we can.”
Mr Geard said there was no typical SES volunteer.
“I say to people there’s always somewhere you can fit in and have a job to do. There’s always a way you can make a difference,” he said.
Launceston’s Sue Kelder has been a SES volunteer for more than 10 years and is currently the Unit Manager for the Incident Management Unit North.
She said serving with the SES gave her a great sense of purpose.
“The SES is built on volunteers, everyday people who give their time, their energy, and sometimes their own comfort to help others. I’m proud to be part of something that plays such a vital role in keeping our community safe,” she said.
“Being part of the SES means being there for people during some of the worst moments of their lives — during storms, floods, and searches. Knowing that what we do genuinely helps people when they need it most is incredibly powerful.”
Are you interested in becoming an SES volunteer? Find out more at www.ses.tas.gov.au/volunteer or contact your nearest SES Regional Headquarters.