20/05/2026
https://www.facebook.com/100069244717937/posts/1303828841935261/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
It has been almost 57 years since the Billabong Creek tragedy of 31 May 1969, when a vehicle carrying multiple people to a school fete was swept away in floodwaters. Several people sadly lost their lives.
The tragedy deeply affected the town and exposed the urgent need for trained local rescuers, proper equipment and an organised emergency response capability. It became the catalyst for the formation of the Parkes and District Rescue Squad which then evolved into our NSW SES Parkes Unit in the 1990’s.
“If we had an organised team and even a little bit of equipment, we could have got the car out and helped those people much sooner,” original rescue squad member Neil Parker said.
Neil reminisced on the freezing cold conditions at the time and how he had stood on shards of glass from the shattered windscreen for up to six hours without even realising it.
Founding Parkes SES Unit volunteer and former Parkes Unit Commander Allan Draper said “Back then we had to make do with whatever we could get our hands on. If we found something useful, we’d paint it yellow, claim it our own and call it rescue equipment,”
Today, the Parkes Unit is made up of 23 female members and 19 male members, reflecting the significant evolution of the Service over the decades.
Current Parkes Unit Commander Kim Palmer said the official opening of the new headquarters was an exciting milestone for the Unit and a chance to reflect on how far the local capability has come.
🧡 In the lead-up to WOW Day on May 20, we’re shining a spotlight on some incredible people like Neil and Allan, who help make the SES what it is.
