Inspired by a lifetime surrounded by emergency responders, 17-year-old NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Mullumbimby Unit volunteer Scarlett Rushton is proudly following in her family’s footsteps to serve her community.
Scarlett’s father, Josh, is the Station Captain at Fire Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Station 388 Mullumbimby, and growing up around the station left a lasting impression.
‘I feel like I grew up at the Mullumbimby fire station,’ Ms Rushton said. ‘As a kid, I’d hear sirens and try to guess which service they belonged to. Dad’s firefighters have been like a second family for as long as I can remember.’
Giving back
From helping out at community events to seeing emergency responders in action, Scarlett developed a deep connection to Mullumbimby and a strong desire to give back.
‘Growing up in an environment where people are always training and responding to save lives, protect property and help the community has been a big inspiration to me and it’s what I would like to do in the future. I’m now in the SES and it makes me incredibly happy,’ she said.
Scarlett joined the NSW SES following the devastating 2022 floods that impacted Mullumbimby and much of the Northern Rivers. ‘The floods were devastating – they affected everyone in some way,’ she said.
‘I helped wherever I could, mostly with food deliveries and getting essential items to families who needed support.’
When Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatened the region in March 2025, Scarlett was again on hand to help – this time proudly wearing her SES uniform. ‘I was assisting the community to prepare, but now I was doing it as part of the Mullumbimby SES Unit,’ she said.
Rewarding
Balancing volunteering with full-time school commitments hasn’t always been easy, but Scarlett says the experience has been extremely rewarding.
‘The hardest part is wanting to respond to emergencies and searches but not yet being able to take part in operational roles,’ she said.
‘There are still lots of meaningful ways to help in support roles, and I’m learning so much. I’m really looking forward to turning 18 and, as Dad says, “getting on the tools”.’
For Scarlett, volunteering is about making a genuine difference when people need it most.
‘Knowing you can help someone through a really tough day and be part of getting their life back on track is what motivates me,’ she said.
‘The SES shows up when people are at their most vulnerable, and I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact our volunteers have across the Byron Bay Shire.’
Young volunteers needed
Scarlett hopes more young people will consider volunteering with the NSW SES.
‘SES volunteers are everyday people who give their time to train, learn and stay ready to help their communities,’ she said.
‘If you’re young and want to be part of a skilled team, learn valuable life skills and be recognised for your commitment, I’d absolutely encourage you to give it a go. You can choose your own pathway in the SES and develop skills that employers really value – teamwork, leadership and community service. There are so many options and skills you can develop.’
To find out more about becoming a NSW SES volunteer, visit: www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
As part of National Volunteer Week, the NSW SES is encouraging the community to show their support by wearing orange for Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) on Wednesday 20 May, celebrating the dedication of volunteers across NSW.
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