Emergency vehicle to aid callouts and community safety  

LAST November, the role of the local SES and their ability to be there when natural emergencies take hold was further made evident when an intense storm system lashed the region and left a trail of damage and a huge clean-up.

On hand from the very start of that emergency was the Coolum SES, and their capabilities to help in these situations in the future were strengthened with Sunshine Coast Council presenting the volunteer-run operation with a new purpose-built storm damage response vehicle.

The special delivery was made during National SES Week, which ran from August 23-30.

Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said that the entire community was appreciative of the work the SES does.

“Coolum SES team responded to the Nov 2025 storms under really difficult circumstances as they too were cut off from telecommunications and had no power.

“The community are always grateful that the SES are there to lend a helping hand in times of need.”

Cr Maria Suarez, along with Mayor Rosanna Natoli, joined SES volunteers and community representatives to unveil the new ‘Coolum 501’ vehicle and acknowledge the vital role SES volunteers play in keeping communities safe.

Across Queensland, around 5,000 SES volunteers serve in more than 300 local groups, and more locally, figures show 307 SES volunteers across our region dedicating countless hours to training, preparation and emergency response.

Mayor Natoli said Council was proud to support SES volunteers through ongoing funding and operational assistance.

“Our SES volunteers are there for the community on the most challenging of days, in extreme conditions, and it’s important they have all the equipment and resources they need to respond safely and effectively,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Council currently supports eight SES groups across the region, along with a fleet of 19 SES vehicles and a Polaris response vehicle.

“The ‘Coolum 501’ was jointly funded through a State SES Support Grant and a Sunshine Coast Council contribution.”

First of its kind vehicle 
The new Coolum 501 is unlike any other Sunshine Coast SES vehicle and has been specifically designed for storm damage and severe weather operations.

Built on an IVECO Daily 70S Dual Cab 4×4 platform, it can transport up to six volunteers and carry essential equipment including ladders, lighting, sandbags and chainsaws.

For more information about volunteering with the SES, please visit ses.qld.gov.au. This is also a timely reminder to make sure you have your home and personal belongings ready for the spring and summer months. For more information on being prepared, please visit Council’s Disaster Hub at disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.