The NRMA Insurance helicopter is transporting NSW SES volunteer rescue teams and essential supplies to isolated communities and providing critical flood intelligence across affected areas. 

NRMA Insurance helicopter pilot, Geoff Sprod, said he was honoured to help NSW SES deliver critical support to communities in need.

“Seeing the devastating impact of the floods from the sky is heartbreaking but every bit of help makes a difference,” Mr Sprod said.

“On one of our missions, we delivered vital equipment from Essential Energy to Lismore which was critical in restoring power to the entire township.”

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said she was pleased to have the support of the NRMA Insurance helicopter.

“In times of crisis such as this unprecedented flood event, I am extremely grateful for the support and partnership of NRMA Insurance to help us in our mission to save lives and support communities,” Commissioner York said.

The NRMA Insurance helicopter is a specialised firefighting aircraft but can also be repurposed to help during other severe weather events.

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager David Wilkes said: “In times of disaster, we know that we can have a greater and more effective impact when we all work together. We’ve proved this over our 10-year partnership with the NSW SES.

“We’re proud to support the phenomenal assistance they are providing communities during this disaster. The NSW SES is often the first to respond to these events with volunteers putting their lives on the line to help others.”

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said as the flooding continues, safety remains the number one priority.

“We are reminding people to never enter floodwater, be prepared to delay travel plans and to make sure you have an emergency plan ready.

“Now is the time to review your evacuations routes and ensure you have prepared a get ready to go kit.

“Understanding your local risk and staying up to date with weather conditions is key to ensuring you make safe decisions for you and your family.”

NRMA Insurance has a dedicated Major Events team focused on providing immediate support to customers, including temporary accommodation and emergency funds.

Mr Wilkes said: “We have increased our call centre capacity to help affected customers lodge claims as soon as possible and we’ve allocated additional staff to our claims and repair teams.

“For our customers whose homes have been damaged, our priority is ensuring they’re safe. We have secured additional temporary accommodation for customers displaced from their homes and our assessors and repairers are on the ground where it is safe to access impacted areas. We will move into other regions once floodwaters recede.”

To date, NRMA Insurance has received more than 9,000 claims for damage to homes, property and vehicles. Customers are encouraged to lodge a claim as soon as possible so emergency support can be provided.