The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is encouraging Victorians to wear orange today, Wednesday, May 20, as part of Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), an annual event recognising SES volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
WOW Day acknowledges the contribution made by SES volunteers who support communities during storms, floods, rescues and other emergencies throughout the year.
The campaign also highlights the training and commitment behind the orange uniforms, with volunteers undertaking nationally accredited training to respond to incidents including flood and storm damage, road crash rescues and search operations.
SES volunteers work alongside Victoria Police, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria and Ambulance Victoria as part of the state’s emergency response network.
In the past 12 months, VICSES volunteers have responded to more than 33,000 requests for assistance across Victoria, including about 17,000 downed tree incidents, 7000 flood and building damage callouts, almost 2300 road crash rescues, nearly 600 technical rescues and approximately 3500 incidents assisting partner agencies.
VICSES chief officer operations, Alistair Drayton, said National Volunteer Week and WOW Day provided an opportunity to publicly thank volunteers for their dedication and service.
“Our volunteers are highly trained, nationally accredited and deeply committed to helping others, often during the most difficult moments in people’s lives,” Mr Drayton said.
“Behind every orange uniform is someone who has chosen to serve their community, often balancing volunteering alongside work, family and other commitments.
“WOW Day gives us a chance to pause and say a heartfelt thank you for their commitment, courage, dedication and service to the community.”
Victorians are encouraged to support the day by wearing orange, hosting orange-themed events, sharing thank you messages on social media using the hashtag #ThankYouSES, or learning more about volunteering with VICSES.
