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Home News Local News

SES celebrates 50 years of service

21 May 2025
in Local News
Volunteering with VICSES has been the perfect opportunity for Rachel Songalio to develop a number of new life skills and inspire the next generation. She has also completed her basic rescue training and is currently completing her chainsaw accreditation course.

Volunteering with VICSES has been the perfect opportunity for Rachel Songalio to develop a number of new life skills and inspire the next generation. She has also completed her basic rescue training and is currently completing her chainsaw accreditation course.

The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is encouraging all Victorians to show their appreciation for SES volunteers by wearing orange today in recognition of Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), a national day of thanks held during National Volunteer Week.

WOW Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our more than 5000 SES volunteers in Victoria who selflessly serve their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This year’s WOW Day holds added meaning as VICSES celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of dedicated volunteer service to the people of Victoria.

Since 1975, VICSES volunteers have been there in times of crisis – responding to a host of incidents including floods, storms, road crashes, and search and rescue operations.

Since 1975, the service has grown to include more than 5000 volunteers and 350 staff operating from 154 local units and 16 regional and metropolitan offices across the state.

In the 12 months from May 2024 to May 2025, VICSES Gippsland region volunteers have received more than 3500 requests for assistance (RFAs), reflecting the increasing demand for emergency services across Victoria.

For VICSES Orbost Unit volunteer Rachel Songailo, volunteering with VICSES offered the perfect opportunity to develop a host of new life skills and inspire the next generation.

An occupational therapist and mother of five, Rachel joined her local unit six months ago after being inspired by another local mother who had donned the orange jumpsuit while balancing her family life, and quickly fell in love with providing emergency support to community members in their hour of need.

Having recently completed basic rescue training, Rachel has developed ‘hero status’ in the eyes of her children, who often accompany her to training sessions, unit activities and deliver her phone or pager to her when contacted for an emergency response.

She is currently completing her chainsaw accreditation and hopes to develop road crash rescue (RCR) proficiency in the coming months to provide vital support in some of

the state’s most remote terrain, before investigating further training opportunities when time allows.

“VICSES presented such a fantastic opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, build friendships and serve my community in a way which still allows me to balance time with a young family,” Ms Songalio said.

“Volunteering can bring a lot of joy and

satisfaction, and I’m really enjoying developing important life skills and proficiencies in the process.”

VICSES volunteers such as Rachel come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of skills and experiences to their roles.

Their commitment to protecting lives and property during floods, storms, road crash rescues and search operations underpins

the strength and resilience of communities across Victoria.

How Victorians can show support this

WOW Day:

– Wear a splash of orange today

– Post a thank you message or photo on social media using the hashtag #ThankYouSES

– Host an orange-themed morning tea or casual dress day at your workplace or school

– Display posters or banners from the VICSES website

The best way you can support our volunteers is by joining the service and being a part of what our volunteers do best, keeping their communities safe.

VICSES is always on the lookout for new volunteers with a diversity of roles available for likeminded community members from all walks of life.

“WOW Day is a moment to reflect on the exceptional efforts of our volunteers

who respond in times of need, often during

the worst days of people’s lives,” VICSES Acting Chief Officer Operations, Alistair Drayton said.

“On behalf of the organisation and the communities we serve, thank you to each and every one of our volunteers for your commitment, courage, and community spirit.

“With over 35,000 calls for assistance in the past year alone, it’s clear our volunteers are more vital than ever. WOW Day gives us a chance to pause and say a heartfelt thank you.”

Consider volunteering, there are many ways to get involved, with flexible and inclusive opportunities available for people from all walks of life.

For more information, visit the VICSES website.

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