NSW SES Walcha Unit

06/08/2026

📍✨ Did you know… there’s a tool called What3Words that can help 000 (Triple Zero) operators pinpoint your exact location in an emergency?

🌏 What is What3Words?
The world has been divided into 3m x 3m squares, and each square has been given a unique combination of three words. This means anywhere on Earth - from a city street corner to the middle of the bush - has its own 3-word “address.”

📞 How is it used in emergencies?
If you call 000 (Triple Zero) and you’re unsure of your location (or there’s no street address available), the operator may ask you to share your location using What3Words - but only if you already have the app (or the Emergency+ app, which includes it). By reading out the three words on your screen, they can quickly plot your location on a map.

🚚 Example of How It Works:
If you have a car accident on a remote country road with no landmarks, you can open the Emergency+ app and see your What3Words location, e.g. ///river.table.chair.
You give those three words to the 000 (Triple Zero) operator when you call for help. They enter them into their computer dispatch system and instantly see your exact 3m x 3m location on a map - even if you don’t know the road name or nearest town.

👉 Important: What3Words is for 000 (Triple Zero) operators to confirm where you are - it’s not what fire trucks, police cars, or ambulances use to navigate. Crews are still sent to a street address, property number, or map reference.

📱 How can you get it?
The Emergency+ app (free on iOS & Android) is the recommended option in Australia. It automatically shows your GPS coordinates and includes What3Words if you need to share your location with 000 (Triple Zero). You can also download the What3Words app itself if you’d like to use it for non-emergency purposes (e.g. meeting friends, outdoor adventures).

⚠️ But remember - in towns, cities, and rural properties, a clear, visible property number at the entrance is still the fastest way for emergency services to find you.

20/05/2026

12/12/2025

The Bureau of Meteorology is advising that much of NSW is at risk of thunderstorm activity today, with some regions likely to experience severe storms.

Large hail, damaging winds, and intense rainfall are possible across the western ranges, slopes and plains, as well as parts of the northern and central coast. Some storm cells may produce heavy, slow-moving rainfall, leading to flash flooding, particularly across the Illawarra, Sydney Metropolitan Area, Hunter and southern Mid North Coast.

Please remember: If it’s flooded, forget it.

Thunderstorms are already active in parts of Sydney, the Illawarra and the Alpine region, and storm activity may continue late into tonight and into early Saturday, with a possible redevelopment of storms in the far west as a cold front approaches. Conditions can change quickly, and storms may form with little notice, so please stay alert for updates. We’ll continue to share new information as it becomes available.

We’re encouraging everyone to take a few moments now to get storm ready
• Secure or pack away loose outdoor items
• Park vehicles away from trees where possible
• Clear gutters and drains
• Trim low or overhanging branches that could cause damage in strong winds

For assistance from NSW SES, call 132 500.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
Stay safe, everyone. 🌩️⚡️

NSW SES Tamworth Unit
NSW SES Gunnedah Unit
NSW SES Armidale Unit
NSW SES Barraba Unit
NSW SES Manilla Unit
NSW SES Liverpool Plains Shire
NSW SES Tambar Springs Unit
NSW SES Moree Unit
NSW SES - Ashford Unit
NSW SES Inverell Unit
NSW SES Garah Unit
Guyra SES Unit
NSW SES Walcha Unit
NSW SES Glen Innes
NSW SES Deepwater Unit
NSW SES - Tenterfield Unit
Bingara NSW SES
Tamworth Regional Council
Gunnedah Shire Council
Armidale Regional Council
Moree Plains Shire Council
Glen Innes Severn Council
Narrabri Shire
7NEWS New England
ABC New England North West
Roy Butler MP
Kevin Anderson MP