COMMUNITY // HAWKESBURY
NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit marks 40 years of life-saving service
Kevin Jones Unit Commander( third from left) with Hawkesbury SES Members at the Hawkesbury Show Display.
For four decades, the NSW State Emergency Service( SES) Hawkesbury Unit’ s rescue team has been a vital lifeline for the local community.
Formed in 1985 in response to a rise in accidents along Putty Road, the team has since attended thousands of emergencies with unwavering dedication and expertise. From freeing casualties trapped in vehicles and rescuing animals, to helping a pastry chef whose hand was caught in a dough roller, the Hawkesbury rescue team has consistently answered the call.
Unit Commander Inspector Kevin Jones said the memories of 1985 are still vivid.
“ I was at the hospital, just days after my first son was born, when I got the call to say our rescue team had gone live,” Inspector Jones recalled.“ We’ d been training for 12 months for that moment – when we would officially take on the primary rescue role for the Hawkesbury.”
A few weeks later, with 15 members, a Ford F350 truck and hydraulic tools, the team responded to its first callout – assisting ambulance officers at an accident on the corner of Putty Road and Stannix Park Road. Their second job came the
following day after a car struck a horse near the Richmond polo grounds.
Before 1985, the region lacked a dedicated rescue unit, relying instead on the Nepean Rescue Squad from Penrith or the Police Rescue Squad in Blacktown. The establishment of the Hawkesbury team drastically reduced emergency response times and has undoubtedly saved lives.
Today, the unit comprises 26 active members, including four original members: Darryl Lever, David King, Kevin Jones, and Michael Broome.
“ There’ s not much the team can’ t tackle,” said Inspector Jones.“ We’ ve helped children with fingers stuck in plug holes, rescued animals from cliff ledges, and even freed people accidentally locked in their own bathrooms.
“ As the team leader, I couldn’ t be prouder. Every member – past and present – has played a role in maintaining the exceptional level of service over the years. It’ s a huge commitment, as you can be called away at any moment.”
NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman praised the team’ s ongoing dedication.
“ While our primary responsibilities are flood, storm and tsunami response, our units also provide rescue services in many rural areas,” she said.
“ The Hawkesbury team deserves full commendation for 40 years of tireless service. They operate 24 / 7, responding to everything from road accidents and animal rescues to vertical rescues and bush searches.”
Paddy Platypus SES mascot.
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 181 // JUNE 2025 23