Northern Territory Emergency Service celebrate 50th anniversary in 2025, marking five decades of service
The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) is celebrating a major milestone this year, marking five decades of service to the NT since its establishment in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy. Read the details.
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The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of service to the NT since its establishment in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy.
Since 1975, the service – powered by more than 180 volunteers from 20 units, as well as 27 staff members – has played a critical role in emergency management, public education on disaster preparedness, and on-the-ground response during emergencies.
Volunteers have been on the front lines during events such as Tropical Cyclones Tracy (1974), Lam (2015), Marcus (2018), and Trevor (2019), with 11 support caches across the Territory.
It has also played key roles in responding to Central Australia and Barkly fires in 2023, multiple flood and storm events in 2016, 1988 and 2023, as well as the Big Rivers Region floods in 2006, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Beyond the Territory, NTES has supported national and international emergency responses, including the MH370 Air Observers Search in 2014, the Christchurch Earthquake Response in 2012, and the NSW flood support in 2022.
To mark its 50th milestone, NTES will host a series of recognition and public events across the Territory throughout 2025.
Territorians are encouraged to show their support by engaging with the upcoming social media campaign on the NTES Facebook page and attending public events.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the milestone was significant to the NT.
“From floods and storms to rescues and fire support, for 50 years Territorians have been able to rely on NTES,“ she said.
“The 50-year anniversary serves as a timely reminder of how far we’ve come and how resilient the NT community is — overcoming severe weather emergencies in the past 50 years.
“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.”
NT Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Warton said it was important the milestone was recognised.
“Their work is indispensable and deserves to be commended by the entire Northern Territory community,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to reflect on the evolution of NTES, the challenges faced over the past 50 years, and the incredible achievements of our dedicated team as we celebrate this milestone.”
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