NSW SES - North Sydney Unit

27/02/2026

Well Vlad's at it again. Yesterday he these shared photos of his current deployment in Broken Hill as a Flood Rescue Technician.

And he isn't the only one that's been busy. All across the Greater Sydney Region there has been flash flooding and NSW SES have already done over 40 flood rescues. REMEMBER IF IT'S FLOODED, FORGET IT AND TURN BACK!

In North Sydney we've also recieved 8 calls for help with leaking roofs, down trees and sink holes appearing. Our volunteers have been out and about ensuring everyone is happy and safe.

Keep dry everyone and stay safe! The sun is just around the corner and will be showing up for the start of next week, so happy times ahead. 🌞

26/01/2026

Once again our wonderful volunteer Vlad and all the heroes of the Bondi shooting were recognised during Australia Day festivities. The Sydney Opera House lit up a beautiful photo of them.

THANK YOU! ❤️

22/01/2026

Here are photos taken on the day of the Ashes we also wanted to share with you!

THANK YOU HEROES!

22/01/2026

On 14th December 2025, two individuals committed a gross evil against our people and our community as they began shooting; injuring and killing innocent people who were enjoying the Hanukkah celebrations organised for the evening. 😰😱

During that tragic event, numerous people from all different walks of life immediately snuffed out that evil and showed how love and compassion can and will forever shine more brightly. 🌟✨️🥰

This group of people represent the true, genuine loving and compassionate multi-cultural Australia that we are continuously growing and building. 🇦🇺

On 4th January 2026, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) a beautiful start to the final Ashes Test game was organised. Staff members, crowds and both Cricket Australia and England Cricket test teams gave a standing of ovation in recognising the large group of people who stepped up and shined an example of heroism and true Aussie values during the Bondi shooting. 🏏

One of those in attendance at the SCG event was our Deputy Unit Commander, Vlad Kotlyar. He has volunteered with NSW SES for more than 20 years and is an experienced Flood Rescue Technician, who regularly jumps into flood waters to help those in need. 🫡

That fateful evening Vlad was with his family, including his 8yr old son, enjoying the Hanukkah celebrations. When the shooting started he dove onto his son, shielding him from the violence. After ensuring the safety of his family, he immediately provided first aid to as many people he could reach pressing down on bullet wounds, applying make shift tourniquets and supporting the NSW Ambulance paramedics, Bondi Lifeguards, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Police Force and other responders. 👏

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet declared that 22nd January 2026 is a day of mourning in remembrance of the Bondi shooting. Today we remember the victims of that day, those who died, injured, scarred and their family, friends and loved ones. We also remember the heroes and our volunteer Vlad, who helped shine the light of hope and love ✨️❤️ on what was a devastating dark day. 🎗

THANK TO OUR HEROES, you deserve every applause, standing ovation and recognition that comes your way! 🥰👏🫶

Thank you to Fox Cricket for the Ashes recognition footage. The full video is available here: https://youtu.be/aVj0hXKPHPQ?si=zneSxa2semPFr7rM

01/01/2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2025 was a big one and for 2026 let's all come together to bring about more joy, peace, hope, wonder and love.

23/12/2025

The heatwave will be coming to an end just in time for the festive joys of Christmas. 🎄🎉

Be warned though, you can expect wind and rain to break the heat. So please keep loose items including Christmas decorations tied down and covered.

A couple of weeks ago our lovely unit came together and celebrated the festive season.

We recognised the hardwork of Jonathan who recieved his national medal for volunteering during the 2019-20 Bushfires, our volunteer Patrick who has been with the SES for 15 years (joined when he was 19 and hasn't aged a bit 😉).

Our newly promoted Deputy Unit Commander Gabriel gave us a tearful speech of how proud and thankful he is to be a part of the NSW SES.

And of course, we especially recognised our volunteer David J who we chose as our volunteer of year, for his dedication to maintenance, his focus as a Duty Officer and keenes to go out in the field and cut up some branches.

Such amazing volunteers the words above hardly do justice to their dedication and care.

We hope your Christmas will bring smiles just as big as ours were that night and memories just as heart warming.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! 🎄🎉🎄🎊

22/12/2025

Our Deputy Unit Commander Vlad, was enjoying the Hanukkah festivities with his family when the Bondi shooting began. He immediately dove onto his 8yr old son, shielding him from the horrors that surrounded them. When the shooting ended he then started providing first aid to those around him in the hope of saving lives.

Last night Vlad returned to Bondi to attend the vigil and light a candle on the Hannukah Menorah. On that day and last night Vlad displayed and represented the courage, resilience and compassion of our nation.

After the shooting our NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing reminded us that during such horrific events we should observe the helpers and that "even though we have seen the worst in humanity, we have also seen the best."

We saw a short period of the worst that day but since we have seen an entire week of love, togetherness and compassion. Let's keep displaying our best, with hope and faith that tomorrow will be a brighter day.

15/12/2025

Sadly yesterday evening the lives of happy and innocent people came to a tragic and devastating end. Last night 15 people were killed during the Bondi shooting and 42 were sent to the hospital.

Our Deputy Unit Commander Vlad was at Bondi with his family at the time. After protecting his family he immediately put his first aid training into action and attempted to save as many as he could reach.

We are terribly shocked and saddened by this event and we keep the victims, their family and their friends in our thoughts and prayers.

The NSW SES extends our deepest condolences to the victims, families, friends and loved ones affected by yesterday’s tragic attack at Bondi Beach.

We acknowledge the extraordinary bravery shown by emergency services and everyday Australians who, in the face of danger, put others first.

The NSW SES stands in solidarity with the Jewish community and all those impacted by this horrific event.

Today, we join the nation and the world in mourning. The road to recovery will be long, but we will walk it together, with strength and unity.