The State Emergency Service (SES) is one of the primary disaster management resources available to the Somerset community.
The Somerset SES plays a critical role in helping residents prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies. SES volunteers provide practical assistance, specialist skills and strong local knowledge when the community needs it most.
The Somerset SES works alongside Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, Somerset Regional Council and other agencies as part of Queensland’s coordinated disaster management arrangements.
The Somerset Region SES Unit was originally formed in 1978 as the Esk Shire SES unit, with two groups based in Lowood and Toogoolawah/Esk.
A separate Esk SES group was later established to strengthen local response capability. Following the amalgamation of the former Esk and Kilcoy Shires, the Kilcoy SES Group became the fourth group within the Unit.
Today, the Somerset SES Unit consists of four local SES groups:
These groups provide coverage across the Somerset region and enable rapid, localised response during emergencies.
SES volunteers are local community members aged 16 to 65 years who generously give their time to train, respond and support others during disasters and emergencies.
Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring diverse skills, experience and local knowledge to the Unit. All members operate under established safety procedures and work as part of a coordinated emergency response.
Becoming an SES volunteer is a meaningful way to support the Somerset community and help others when they are most vulnerable.
To express your interest in joining our Somerset SES, please visit ses.qld.gov.au/form/become-an-ses-member
SES volunteers receive ongoing training to ensure they can operate safely and effectively in challenging conditions.
Members are encouraged to undertake accredited training in a range of specialist areas, including:
This training equips SES members with the skills needed to safely assist the community during emergencies.
Somerset SES members provide on‑ground support across a wide range of disaster and emergency situations.
SES assistance may include:
Flood events
Severe storms
Search and rescue
Bushfires
Road crashes
SES members only undertake tasks appropriate to their training and qualifications.
The Somerset SES is supported by a wide range of equipment funded through Federal, State and Local Government, along with strong community and service‑club support.
Each SES volunteer is issued with an extensive set of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to keep them safe during operations.
SES groups regularly train in the use of specialist equipment, including:
This equipment enables SES volunteers to operate effectively in difficult and hazardous conditions.
The Somerset SES is a vital part of the region’s disaster management arrangements.
By working closely with Somerset Regional Council and emergency services, SES volunteers help:
Community members are encouraged to prepare early, follow official warnings and seek SES assistance when needed.
Contact the Queensland SES (State Emergency Service) on 132 500 for non-life-threatening, urgent assistance during floods, storms, or severe weather. Volunteers provide temporary repairs, such as covering damaged roofs, clearing trees from homes restricting access, or providing sandbags.
Emergency contacts