NSW SES Bankstown Unit

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NSW SES Bankstown Unit

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The NSW SES Bankstown Unit is the local combat agency for Floods, Storms and Tsunamis.

This page is NOT a general Warning Service but is one of the ways that the volunteer Bankstown Unit of NSW State Emergency Service provides information to the public, with the focus on the Bankstown community, regarding the activities of Bankstown Unit. The information is intended to include Unit activities, Community Education, some Storm and Flood Warnings and Operational Information during operational periods. Due to capability of the volunteer Unit, there is no guarantee that all warnings and information issued by Bureau of Meteorology and other safety advice will be posted on this page, therefore visitors to this page should also check the following pages (Bureau Of Meteorology) and (NSW SES).

26/10/2026

This Thursday, 29 Oct 2026, we are supporting the NSW SES Steer Clear Campaign! Come and say hello to your local Bankstown SES volunteers at Bunnings Milperra (1700 - 1900) and Bunnings Padstow (1800 - 2000), where we will be talking about the importance of staying safe on the roads and making smart choices around vehicles.

We will also be bringing a little Halloween spirit along for the ride! Our spooky display is ready, and we are looking forward to meeting the community, having a few laughs and sharing some important safety messages.

Whether you are shopping for your next DIY project or just popping in, come over, say hello and have a chat with our volunteers. We would love to see you there!

14/10/2026

🧡MEET OUR MEMBERS | ELIAS HABIB 🧡
This month, we’re introducing Elias Habib, Deputy Unit Commander – Operations and Planning at Bankstown SES, who has been part of the NSW SES for nine years and will celebrate his tenth anniversary in February next year. Elias joined the SES as an enthusiastic 20-year-old looking to gain life experience and push himself outside his comfort zone. What began as an opportunity to challenge himself has grown into a journey of personal development, leadership and service to the community.

A rescue he will never forget - In April 2024, Elias was part of the team recognised with a NSW SES Commissioner’s Unit Citation for the rescue of a flood victim at McGraths Hill. While repositioned to the Windsor area, the team received a call about a four-wheel drive submerged in floodwater, with its occupant trapped on the roof. After navigating flooded roads and unfamiliar backstreets, they arrived to find a man clinging to the side of his vehicle. Fortunately, a crew from Auburn SES was also available with an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB). Working together, the crews launched the boat and reached the man, who was becoming weak and showing signs of hypothermia. Within two minutes of bringing him aboard, the team lost sight of his vehicle, believing it had been swept away by the floodwater. It was a powerful reminder of how quickly conditions can change during a flood, and how critical teamwork, preparation and a timely response can be.

The difference volunteers make - Elias has also experienced deployments beyond NSW, including the ACT hailstorm response. These experiences have shown him just how much communities rely on volunteers, particularly in regional and remote areas where full-time emergency resources can be limited. Witnessing the resilience and community spirit of these communities has reinforced for him the vital role volunteers play in emergency response. For Elias, the most rewarding part of being a volunteer is simple: “Being able to be that one good thing on someone’s bad day.” It’s about making a positive impact and being the difference that makes a difference.

Growing beyond the comfort zone - The SES has also helped Elias discover potential he never imagined he had. Once shy and reserved, he has developed into a senior leader responsible for operations in one of NSW’s largest SES units.
He credits the SES with helping him grow as an operator, a leader and a person, while watching those around him develop and become more confident along the way.

Something you might not know about Elias - Away from the SES, Elias is a massive plane enthusiast! He can identify aircraft types by sound alone — and he even holds a pilot’s licence.

His advice to anyone thinking about volunteering? - “Do it. It is one of the most rewarding experiences, getting to watch yourself develop as well as watching those around you become better versions of themselves.”

Thank you, Elias, for your dedication, leadership and commitment to helping our community. 🧡 Elias Habib NSW SES

11/10/2026

Today, members of the NSW SES Bankstown Unit attended the memorial service honouring emergency services volunteers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Among those remembered was Ian Bassam, a much-loved member of the Bankstown SES Unit, who tragically passed away in 2010 while deployed to Ulladulla. Ian’s dedication to helping others and serving his community will never be forgotten.

A number of Bankstown SES members attended to pay their respects and show their continued support for Carole Bassam. Our SES family is built on service, friendship and looking after one another, and that support remains important long after a member is gone.

The Hon. Jihad Dib MP, NSW Minister for Emergency Services, spoke about the great Australian spirit embodied by our volunteers, describing them as “ordinary people who do extraordinary things” and “real-life heroes”.

These words are a powerful reminder of the commitment shown by volunteers who step forward to help others, often putting themselves in challenging and dangerous situations to protect their communities.

Today, we remember Ian and all emergency services volunteers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others. We also acknowledge the families and friends who continue to carry their memories and whose loss is never forgotten.

Jihad Dib MP Mayor Bilal El-Hayek - City of Canterbury Bankstown Kylie Wilkinson MP David Saliba MP Gerard Allport Carmen Heredia Andy XiaNSW SES Volunteers Association

05/10/2026

BANKSTOWN SES | OCTOBER: STORM READY — TRIM OVERHANGING BRANCHES

Storm season is here, and now is the time to prepare your property. Stay safe. Stay prepared.

Take a look around your home and check for dead, damaged or overhanging branches that could become dangerous during strong winds.

Trimming them safely before the next storm can help reduce the risk of fallen trees and branches damaging your home, vehicles or blocking roads.

⚠️ If branches are near powerlines, don’t attempt to trim them yourself. Contact your electricity provider or a qualified professional.

📞 For emergency assistance during floods and storms, call NSW SES on 132 500.

🚨 Call 000 if life is in immediate danger or you need urgent police, fire or ambulance assistance.

03/10/2026

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the Sydney region, including areas that may be affected by damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. https://reg.bom.gov.au/products/IDN21035.shtml
If storms are approaching:
- Stay indoors and away from windows
- Keep clear of trees and secure loose outdoor items
- Move vehicles under secure cover and away from trees and powerlines
- Never walk, ride or drive through floodwater
- Keep up to date with the latest warnings through the Hazards Near Me NSW app

Please take a few minutes now to prepare and stay safe.
📞 For emergency assistance during floods and storms, call NSW SES on 132 500.
🚨 Call 000 if life is in immediate danger or you need urgent police, fire or ambulance assistance.

Stay safe, Bankstown.

27/09/2026

🌅🧡 0500 EARLY START - BIG COMMITMENT💛🌊
While most of us were still asleep this morning, Max B and Oliver F were already up and on their way to Penrith to begin their NSW SES In-Water Flood Rescue Course. And this isn't just a one-day course — their training continues over the next three days.

So, what is in-water flood rescue course all about?
🌊 Water rescue skills.
SES volunteers can be called upon to assist during floods, storm events and other emergencies involving water. Specialist in-water training helps volunteers develop the skills and knowledge needed to safely respond to these situations and assist people who may be trapped, stranded or in danger.

For Max and Oliver, this is about more than gaining another qualification. They're building skills that could one day help them rescue someone from a dangerous situation and bring them home safely. And both of these young volunteers were willing to get up at 5:00 am to start that journey. 👏

Over the next three days, they'll be learning, training and putting those skills into practice alongside other SES volunteers. At BKK SES, we are incredibly proud to see our younger members stepping up, developing specialist skills and preparing themselves to support our community when it matters most.

Well done, Max and Oliver! 🧡💛 We hope you have a fantastic three days of training — stay safe, learn heaps and enjoy the experience!

Kylie Wilkinson MP Mayor Bilal El-Hayek - City of Canterbury Bankstown Jihad Dib MP David Saliba MP

16/09/2026

🧡💛 MEET OUR MEMBERS — GERARD ALLPORT 💛🧡

This month, we are shining the spotlight on Gerard Allport, who has been a valued member of the NSW SES Bankstown Unit for five years.

Gerard’s journey with SES began simply enough — he saw SES volunteers out in the community, particularly during storms, helping people when they needed assistance. Watching the team in action sparked something in him. He felt that he wanted to do more than simply watch from the sidelines — he wanted to volunteer and help his community too.

Five years later, Gerard continues to give his time and experience to support the people of our local community.

🌧️ Making a Difference When It Matters
For Gerard, one of the most rewarding parts of being an SES volunteer is seeing the appreciation from the people we help.

SES volunteers often meet people at a difficult or stressful moment — after a storm, flood or other emergency has affected their home or property. Being able to arrive, lend a hand and help make someone's situation a little safer can make a genuine difference.

One of Gerard’s most memorable experiences has been deploying to assist communities affected by the Taree floods. Flood deployments can be challenging, but they also demonstrate what volunteering with SES is all about — people coming together, sometimes travelling away from their own communities, to support others when they need it most.

For Gerard, those experiences and the gratitude of the people he has helped are what make volunteering so worthwhile.

🧡 More Than Just Volunteering
Five years with SES brings with it plenty of experiences, friendships and opportunities to learn. Gerard has been part of a team that doesn't just respond to emergencies — it supports the community, works together and steps up when help is needed.

His story is a great reminder that sometimes becoming a volunteer starts with simply seeing someone else making a difference and deciding that you want to be part of it too.

😂 And Now for Something You Might Not Know...
There is one thing about Gerard that might surprise his fellow volunteers — he's afraid of heights! 😳😂

Which is perhaps an interesting challenge for someone who has chosen to volunteer with an organisation that occasionally finds itself dealing with trees, roofs and elevated work!

Gerard, thank you for your five years of service, your commitment to Bankstown SES and, most importantly, your willingness to step up and help others.

We’re proud to have you as part of the Bankstown SES family. 🧡💛
Gerard Allport

14/09/2026

🎉🧡 A WONDERFUL DAY AT THE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL! 💛
Yesterday, the NSW SES Bankstown Unit had the pleasure of taking part in the Children’s Festival at Playford Park, Padstow — and what a fantastic day it was!
Our volunteers put a lot of effort into connecting with our local community and helping families learn more about emergency preparedness, flood safety and what they can do to be ready before an emergency happens. 🌧️🏠
There were plenty of smiles, games and conversations throughout the day, and it was fantastic to see so many families stop by to meet our volunteers, ask questions and learn more about the work of the NSW SES.
For us, community engagement is an important part of what we do. Being prepared before an emergency can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event, and to our dedicated Bankstown SES volunteers who gave up their time and energy to make the day such a success. 🧡💛
We loved meeting you all and look forward to seeing our community again at the next event!
Prepare. Connect. Stay Safe. 🌧️🧡
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek - City of Canterbury Bankstown Jihad Dib MP Kylie Wilkinson MP

09/09/2026

🎉 BANKSTOWN SES IS HEADING TO THE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL! 🧡💛
Come and join the NSW SES Bankstown Unit at this year’s Children’s Festival for a day of fun, games, prizes and learning! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎈
📅 Sunday, 13 September 2026
📍 Playford Park, Cahors Rd, Padstow
⏰ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
🎯 Have fun with our games and activities
🏆 Win some great prizes
🚒 Meet your local SES volunteers and check out our vehicle
🌧️ Learn about floods, storms and how to stay safe
🏠 Discover simple ways to prepare your family for emergencies

There will be plenty happening throughout the day, so bring the whole family along and come say hello to the Bankstown SES team!
We love getting out into our community, meeting local families and helping everyone become a little moreprepared, informed and flood ready. 🌧️💪
We can't wait to see you there! 🧡💛

05/09/2026

🧡💛 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY FROM BANKSTOWN SES! 💛🧡
Today, we celebrate all the amazing fathers, grandfathers and father figures in our Bankstown SES family.
Being a volunteer is already something special — but sharing that experience with your son makes it even more meaningful. 👨‍👦🚒
Today we’re celebrating the dads who give their time to support our community, the dads who encourage their families to get involved, and the dads who lead by example through their dedication, teamwork and service.
We’re lucky to have some fantastic father-and-son teams within Bankstown SES, and we’re proud to share a couple of those special partnerships with you today. 🧡💛
To all the dads in our SES family and across our local community:
Happy Father’s Day! 👏
We hope you have a wonderful day filled with family, laughter and plenty of well-deserved time to relax.
🧡 From all of us at Bankstown SES — Happy Father’s Day! 💛

Address

2 Johnston Road
Bass Hill, NSW
2197

Telephone

+61132500

Website

http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/

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