New SES zone commander to oversee emergency responses across the region

NEW North East SES zone commander Rhys Gloury has taken on a senior role at the SES having run large-scale health and emergency operations during major disasters.

He will operations from Urunga in the south to Tweed Heads in the north and will be based at the Goonellabah headquarters.

The zone covers a diverse area with both coastal and inland communities, requiring a flexible and coordinated approach to emergency response and disaster management.

Gloury brings extensive experience in emergency management and health response, having previously held senior roles in Victoria coordinating critical incidents.

His background includes leading large-scale health and emergency operations, planning and executing responses to major disasters, and supporting communities through crisis situations.

Joining the local ranks has seen him rub shoulders with local volunteers who were part of the Lismore flood response in 2022.

“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,” Gloury said.

“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 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, he said.

“Our zone is one of the busiest for flood and storm response and includes several catchments that are prone to riverine flooding.

“This year, volunteers in the zone have responded to about 9000 incidents so it’s important we have a strong leader to oversee operations and made critical decisions.”