The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking five decades of dedicated service to the Territory since its establishment in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy.
For 50 years, NTES has played a vital role in emergency management, public education on disaster preparedness, and on-the-ground response during emergencies.
The service is powered by everyday Territorians, with over 180 volunteers and 27 staff members from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal-to serve and protect the community.
Chief Minister and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Lia Finocchiaro, acknowledged the essential role NTES has played in the community.
"From floods and storms to rescues and fire support, for 50 years Territorians have been able to rely on NT Emergency Service," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
She highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating: "The 50-year anniversary serves as a timely reminder of how far we've come and how resilient the NT community is-overcoming severe weather emergencies in the past 50 years."
"NTES volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and all Territorians should show thanks to the people who selflessly give up their time to keep us safe," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
NTES has grown to include 20 Volunteer Units with 11 Support Caches across the Territory, with volunteers playing a crucial role in responding to major emergency events.
Volunteers have been on the frontlines during significant events such as Tropical Cyclones Tracy (1974), Lam (2015), Marcus (2018), and Trevor (2019).
They have also played key roles in responding to Central Australia and Barkly fires in 2023, multiple flood and storm events in 2016, 1988, and 2023, as well as the Big Rivers Region floods in 2006, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Beyond the Territory, NTES has supported national and international emergency responses, including the MH370 Air Observers Search in 2014, the Christchurch Earthquake Response in 2012, and the NSW flood support in 2022.
Commissioner of NT Fire and Emergency Services, Andrew Warton, highlighted the importance of recognising NTES's contributions over the past five decades.
"As we mark NTES's 50th anniversary, it's a perfect time to recognise the integral role the service plays in preparing our communities for storms, floods, and cyclones," he said.
"Their work is indispensable and deserves to be commended by the entire Northern Territory community.
"I encourage everyone to reflect on the evolution of NTES, the challenges faced over the past 50 years, and the incredible achievements of our dedicated team as we celebrate this milestone."
To mark this milestone, NTES will host a series of recognition and public events across the Territory throughout 2025. Territorians are encouraged to show their support by engaging with the upcoming social media campaign on the NT Emergency Service Facebook page and attending public events.
