NSW Ambulance Introduces Community Emergency Response Team in The Rock
04 Dec 2025
Residents of The Rock and nearby towns in the NSW Riverina now have faster access to emergency support following the launch of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) by NSW Ambulance this week.
Seven newly qualified clinical volunteers have officially joined the service after completing an intensive nine-month training program, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience alongside local paramedic crews. The volunteers are now ready to assist in urgent situations within their community.
CERTs are a specialised NSW Ambulance initiative designed to strengthen emergency response in smaller regional communities. Made up entirely of trained clinical volunteers, CERT members provide immediate care when emergencies occur, bridging the gap until paramedics arrive.
When a medical emergency is reported, local CERT volunteers can be dispatched through the Triple Zero (000) system to deliver early, potentially life-saving care while an ambulance is en route.
The Rock becomes the eighth location in NSW to establish a CERT since the program was introduced in December 2021, following successful rollouts in areas such as Nana Glen, Manildra and Howlong.
To support the volunteers, NSW Ambulance offers continuous mentoring from local paramedics, operational oversight, wellbeing support, and full personal protective equipment. Volunteers are also provided with a dedicated NSW Ambulance response vehicle fitted with warning lights, radios and tracking technology to ensure safe and rapid deployment.
The push to establish a CERT in The Rock began around 18 months ago, after the The Rock Progress Association approached NSW Ambulance seeking improved emergency care outcomes for the local population. Community meetings followed to gauge interest, leading to a competitive selection process for the final volunteer group.
Among the successful recruits is Kathleen Sneddon, a platform analyst who recently moved to the area and saw the program as a way to connect with her new community while making a meaningful difference.
The CERT initiative is being complemented by broader workforce investment, with the Minns Labor Government committing to recruit 500 additional paramedics for regional NSW.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park praised the volunteers, describing their commitment as a powerful example of community spirit and dedication to public safety.
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said the launch reflects the strength and initiative of The Rock community, noting the collaboration between residents, NSW Ambulance and government to deliver a vital service.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan highlighted the role of CERTs in enhancing resilience during emergencies and disasters, while Senior Manager Clinical Volunteers Desiree O’Brien emphasised the importance of the new response vehicle in improving volunteer safety and communication.
Volunteer Kathleen Sneddon said the diverse backgrounds of the team helped build strong peer support during training, adding that both volunteers and residents feel reassured knowing help can now arrive sooner in critical moments.
The launch marks a significant boost to emergency preparedness for The Rock, reinforcing community safety through trained local support.
News Source: NSW Health
