What’s happening?
Mackay Regional Council has paid tribute to the Queensland State Emergency Service as the organisation marks its 50th anniversary.
To mark the milestone, SES Central Region is holding a month in focus. During that time, eight 50-year Anniversary Flags will travel across the region and be signed by SES volunteers.
Mayor Greg Williamson praised the volunteers who support communities during emergencies and disasters.
“Every year, SES volunteers make a real and lasting impact on the lives of Queenslanders – providing help, hope and practical support when it’s needed most,” Mayor Williamson said.
Why it matters
The anniversary puts a spotlight on volunteers who step in during some of the community’s hardest moments.
Mayor Williamson said SES members continue to serve in difficult and dangerous conditions.
“These tremendous individuals always step up when they are needed and often the conditions they work in are extreme,” he said.
“Whether that’s sandbagging and tarping roofs in torrential rain or searching for missing people amongst dense bushland or in flood boats in raging rivers and creeks – our SES volunteers are local heroes through and through.
“So, if you know an SES volunteer or see one out and about, please thank them for their service.
“Now is also the perfect time to get involved, so if you have ever thought about becoming an SES volunteer, head to ses.qld.gov.au and register your interest.”
Local Impact
For Mackay, the milestone is a reminder that local SES volunteers are part of a much larger regional effort.
The Central Region includes Mackay and reaches from the Whitsunday Islands to Agnes Water. Its teams are backed by staff in Mackay, Rockhampton and Longreach.
SES Mackay Local Controller Alexander McPhee said the region had strong experience within its ranks, including two members with 50 years of service.
“Our region is incredibly lucky to have such a depth of experience and expertise amongst our members,” Mr McPhee said.
“It’s great to be able to celebrate all our volunteers and this is a special opportunity to acknowledge the history of this organisation and the amazing, lifesaving work these volunteers have carried out over the last 50 years,” he said.
By the numbers
- SES Central Region includes 14 units, showing the scale of the service across central Queensland.
- Those units are made up of 66 groups and more than 1,200 active volunteers, supported by 26 staff.
- The anniversary flag campaign features eight 50-year Anniversary Flags travelling across a region that spans from the Whitsunday Islands to Agnes Water.
Zoom in
Mackay’s tribute goes beyond the anniversary itself. It also highlights the people behind the orange uniforms.
From storm response to search efforts, SES volunteers are often first on the ground when conditions turn dangerous. Their work helps protect homes, support families and keep communities safer during disasters.
Zoom out
The Queensland SES was formally established on December 11, 1975.
It was created in response to the devastating 1974 Queensland floods. The organisation grew from the former Queensland Civil Defence Organisation, which had operated since 1961.
That history gives the 50-year milestone added weight, especially for long-serving members who have helped shape the service across decades.
What to look for next
Across this month in focus, the anniversary flags will continue travelling through SES Central Region for volunteers to sign.
The anniversary is also likely to put fresh focus on volunteer recruitment as local leaders encourage more people to get involved.
