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To mark the beginning of ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Volunteer Week, the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is encouraging everyone to colour their clothing orange this Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day).

Celebrated this year on 18 May, WOW Day recognises the service of NSW SES volunteers and gives communities across the State an opportunity to show their gratitude.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the WOW Day celebrations are extra special this year following the unprecedented flooding.

“In the past 12 months our SES volunteers have had to battle multiple major floods and storms across NSW, and just two months ago we witnessed flooding in the Northern Rivers region on a scale never seen before,” Ms Cooke said.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful SES volunteers for their work which protects people and property.”

Another way people can participate in WOW Day is by decorating workplaces and public spaces orange.

Commissioner Carlene York said volunteers have made many sacrifices, including time away from loved ones and the loss of their own homes, to continue serving the community in the recent floods.

“WOW Day celebrates the NSW SES volunteers who work to protect communities at their most vulnerable,” Commissioner York said.

“Thank you for saving lives and protecting communities while selflessly giving up your time from family, work and other commitments to help those in need.”

People are encouraged to show support for NSW SES volunteers by using the #WOWDay and #ThankYouSES hashtags on social media.