The Gunnedah “Civil Defence” was established in the late 50’s in times of severe flooding, the then Mayor Frank O’Keefe used Council staff to manage floods and conduct evacuations.

Two bad road accidents in 1970, (one at a railway level crossing) created the impetus for the formation of an unofficial road rescue unit under the direction of the Controller Bill Clegg, this unit consisted of panel beaters, printers, carpenters, mechanics, engineers, teachers and men from various walks of life

Early accommodation left a lot to be desired, it was often dirty, dusty and not secure. It included a grain silo, a shed at the local showground, and some rented sheds.

We now have a dedicated “Rescue Shed” and a purpose built Headquarters in Bennett Road, that is shared with the “Rural Fire Service” built in 2000, it is named the W.R. Clegg Emergency Centre.

The Unit has been involved in numerous flood boat operations that required rescue, evacuations and resupply, some of the rescues conducted were under very difficult conditions and on occasions after dark.

The Gunnedah unit continues to do General Rescue, Storm and Water Damage response, Flood Rescue and some Road Crash Rescue, since the advent of strict blood alcohol restrictions in the 80s, the number of crashes has thankfully declined in this area.

We assist the Police with search and rescue, the Ambulance Service at accident scenes, the Rural Fire Service with logistics and transport, and any other Community organisations at their request.

The Unit sends teams away to assist other SES Units in “storm damage”. In the past we have assisted in areas such as Newcastle, Singleton, Casino, Banora Point, Tamworth, Narrabri, Boggabri and Sydney. Out of Area assistance allows the volunteers in the unit to maintain their training and meet other volunteers from other areas of the state.