While NTES marks its official establishment date in 1975, the foundations of the service span back more than 70 years in the Northern Territory.
Along with its sister services throughout Australia, NTES was born out of the need to create a civil defence capability during the Second World War.
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On 28 June 1940 the Administrator of the Northern Territory, Mr C. L. A. Abbott appointed Mr A. R. Miller to be the first "part-time" Chief Air Raid Protection (ARP) Warden for Darwin, a post which he held until replaced by the first full-time ARP Warden, Mr E. T. Harrison on 19 May 1941.
In its early years, NTES focused on building its volunteer base and developing specialised training in rescue operations, first aid, and disaster response. The service quickly became integral to handling a range of emergencies, including cyclones, floods, and storms, working alongside other emergency agencies such as police, fire and ambulance.
Following the end of the war, the organisation was effectively disbanded until its resurrection in 1962 under the Controller of the Northern Territory Fire Brigade and Civil Defence, Mr Reg McCafferty. In 1965 its title was changed to Northern Territory Civil Defence and Emergency Services under the Controller Mr R. H. Webber who was to become affectionately known as "Disaster Dick".
From 1965-67, the organisation became established at its administrative headquarters (the old Parap Police Station) on the corner of Parap Road and the Stuart Highway. An operational base (civil defence bunker) was constructed at the old municipal incinerator site in Bishop/Jolly Streets, Darwin at the cost of 27,000 pounds ($54,000AU).
In 1968 Mr Webber departed, and Mr R. Boulton became Acting Controller until the appointment of Group Captain W. R. Berriman as Controller in July 1970.
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