Here’s a look at our rich history over the past 50 years and the people who make NTES what it is today.
January 2025 marks 50 years since the establishment of NT Emergency Services (NTES), which was formally created in response to the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve 1974. Cyclone Tracy remains one of Australia’s most catastrophic natural disasters, claiming 66 lives and destroying nearly 80% of Darwin’s buildings, displacing thousands of residents.
Our history
Since 1975 NTES has grown to include 18 Volunteer Units with 13 Support Caches across the Territory, with volunteers playing a crucial role in responding to a range of emergency events.
Volunteers have been essential in responding to a range of emergencies over the years including Tropical Cyclones such as Tracy (1974), Marcus (2018), Trevor (2019).
Other significant events include the Central Australia and Barkly fires in 2023, Central Australia floods and storm events in 2023, 2016, and 1988, and the Big Rivers Region floods in 2006, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
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NTES also played a significant role during the Katherine floods in 1998 and 2006, supported the MH370 Air Observers Search in 2014 and assisted overseas in the Christchurch Earthquake Response in 2012 as well as deployments closer to home during the NSW flood support in 2022.
The service has also responded to train, plane, and motor vehicle accidents, as well as performing vertical rescues, missing person searches, and providing support to other agencies.
It is these volunteers who ensure NTES is available 24/7, 365 days a year, ready to respond to any emergency.
Gallery
Our people
Marie Baptista – Community Engagement Officer
Journey from volunteer to Community Engagement Officer
Are you interested in volunteering?
Find out how to join on our volunteers page!