Following its success in 2023, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Youth Internship Program is returning to Ballina and Casino to empower students to become community leaders.  

The internship program invites 15 to 16 year-olds to deepen their understanding of natural disasters and emergency preparedness through hands on demonstrations with experienced NSW SES volunteers.  

Once a week for 10 weeks, the students will learn new skills in communication, basic first aid, leadership, and flood and storm response.  

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said it was great to see this program inspiring future leaders.  

“This internship program is a great example of innovative volunteering. It allows young people to learn new skills through practical experience,” Minister Dib said. 

“The internship program provides great insight into the benefits of volunteering with an emergency service”.

NSW SES Acting Commissioner Debbie Platz APM said the program was an important initiative to help inspire the next generation of volunteers. 

"Young people are the future of our organisation and our communities. In this program, we provide them with opportunities to discover more about what we do, hopefully inspiring them to join our ranks," Acting Commissioner Platz said.  

Commissioner Platz said the program, which was first trialled last year, demonstrated how keen young members of the community were to be mentored as the next cohort of leaders.  

“Our volunteer SES mentors also had a great experience training and mentoring the interns,” she said. 

“I know from last year’s cohort, a quarter of the interns who completed the program went on to become volunteer members of the SES and have been responding to recent weather events.” 

Program support officer Nikki Ristoski said the program provides lots of transferable skills valuable skills and to work under pressure.  

“It gives a sense of purpose and community spirit,” she said. 

We give students an insight into the various pathways within emergency services and have other agencies such as NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Fire and Rescue NSW involved as well.” 

Students who reside in the areas offering the internship should express interest to their school career advisors.