Overseeing NSW SES operations from Urunga in the south to Tweed Heads in the north, new NSW SES North Eastern Zone Commander Rhys Gloury commenced in the role at the Goonellabah headquarters on December 1.
Chief Superintendent Gloury joins the service from Victoria where he worked in senior roles coordinating health response and has extensive experience in planning for and responding to critical incidents across a large geographical area.
His experience includes leading the health response to thunderstorm asthma events, Covid-19 and service disruptions during fires and flooding.
Bringing knowledge from service as a Victoria SES volunteer, Chief Superintendent Gloury understands the challenges and responsibilities of flood, storm and emergency planning, response and recovery.
"I have a passion for emergency management, and this role will give me the opportunity to bring together my experience and passion to create safer communities and further enhance SES operations throughout Northern NSW," Chief Superintendent Gloury said.
"I appreciate the zone has been through significant challenges and flooding events, and I look forward to building upon the positive work of my colleagues and former Zone Commander Greg Swindells.
"Meeting our dedicated volunteers and listening to their lived experience is a priority for me as I start this role, so I can understand what support I can provide to members to enhance their response capabilities and wellbeing."
Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said Mr Gloury brings a wealth of experience in coordination and operations to the role.
"Rhys will use his experience in managing the response to critical health incidents, alongside his time as a volunteer with Victoria SES, to lead the planning, response and coordination to major weather events in North Eastern," Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.
"Our North Eastern Zone is one of the busiest for flood and storm response, and includes several catchments that are prone to riverine flooding.
"Already this year, volunteers in the zone have responded to about 9,000 incidents so it's important we have a strong leader to oversee operations and made critical decisions."
Deputy Zone Commander Kris McDonald, who has been acting in the Commander role will return to her position to continue supporting the zone and Chief Superintendent Gloury.
