When disaster strikes, the NTES plays a vital role in helping people across the Territory. Photo: NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.
The organisation, set up in the wake of Cyclone Tracy, has played a vital role in emergency management, public education in disaster preparation and boots-on-the-ground responses to the emergency needs of Territorians.
“From floods and storms to rescues and fire support, for 50 years Territorians have been able to rely on NT Emergency Service,” said Chief Minister and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Lia Finocchiaro.
The NTES has more than 180 volunteers and 27 staff members from various backgrounds working towards community safety in emergencies, through education and practical support.
“NTES volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and all Territorians should show thanks to the people who selflessly give up their time to keep us safe,” Mrs Finocchiaro added.
The volunteer organisation has grown to 20 units and 11 support caches across the Territory.
NTES has been instrumental in helping Territorians during emergencies such as Cyclones Tracy (1974), Lam (2015), Marcus (2018) and Trevor (2019).
The volunteers have also been vital in responding to fires such as the Central Australian and Barkly blazes in 2023, as well as floods and storm events across the vast Territory.
The service has also provided assistance during national and international events such as the MH370 air observers search, the 2012 Christchurch earthquake and the NSW floods in 2022.
In recognition of its half-century anniversary, the NTES will hold various public events throughout the year. Territorians are encouraged to engage with the upcoming social media campaign on the NT Emergency Service Facebook page and to attend community events.
For more information about NTES and its history, visit the NTES 50th Anniversary webpage.
