It’s a fitting time for a boost to Bourke and Brewarrina SES Units, as ongoing rain and flowing rivers is seeing floodwaters inundate the Western Plains. 

The Bourke SES Unit is receiving a $38,000 Light Storm Trailer from the NSW Government, while the Brewarrina Unit will benefit from a $90,000 General Purpose Vehicle. 

Announced this week, both pieces of equipment are a part of a fleet replacement program for rural, regional and remote parts of NSW. 

The new equipment follows heavy flooding in both areas last year that saw many locals isolated, but also comes just as the region is set to see more flooding. 



SES Far West Zone Commander Mark Coulter said that the new equipment will help the unit support the community with floods on the horizon. 

“The trailer comes fully self- sufficient and has solar panels, AC inverters, backup generators, all the latest Milwaukee tools, along with height safety harnesses for roof jobs,” Mr Coulter said. 

As emergencies seem to continuously roll through the region, the extra resource is critical when volunteer numbers slump. 

“Unfortunately, a lot of the volunteers in the area are transient which means a lot of school teachers who we may only have for three or four years, but they are extremely valued,” Mr Coulter said. 

“We’re always looking for new volunteers willing to give up their time to support the communities,” he said. 

Minister for Emergency Services and Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said that volunteers across the region have been tireless in their ongoing response to the slow-moving flood event since November 2021. 

Ms Cook said the new equipment will “ensure SES volunteers have exactly what they need to support their communities while keeping themselves safe.”

SES Commissioner Carlene York said volunteers at the Brewarrina Unit are also being recognised for their ongoing contributions with a number of long service awards. 

“It is always an honour to present awards to our volunteers for their dedicated and continued service to the community,” Commissioner York said. 

“Our SES volunteers have come off the back of their busiest year ever and are continuing to respond to requests for assistance, as well as helping their communities prepare for continued flooding events,” she said. 

At the time of reporting, minor flooding is occurring along the Darling River at Bourke and is set to rise to 10.70 metres. 

The Barwon River is steady at 5.94 metres at Brewarrina, but continues to rise at Walgett, which has reached 9.72 metres.