- Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Victoria is turning orange today in recognition of the thousands of Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers who play a critical role in responding to emergencies across the state.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville joined VICSES and Victoria Police to celebrate Wear Orange Wednesday, which is a national day of recognition for SES volunteers.
Mount Buffalo hikers Cindy Bohan and Trevor Salvado, who were missing for four nights in March, also joined the celebrations and thanked VICSES volunteers for their search and rescue efforts.
Last year, VICSES volunteers spent more than 260,000 hours responding to almost 27,700 requests for assistance across the state.
Our volunteers also had a busy summer period, responding to a number of major incidents, including recent flooding and road crashes.
Some of Melbourne’s major landmarks will be lit orange in a sign of support, including the MCG, Melbourne Star, Bolte Bridge, Melbourne Town Hall, the CityLink Sound Tube, Bourke Street and 101 Collins Street.
Events are also being organised across the state in recognition of what volunteers do within local communities.
VICSES is the control agency for floods, storms, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis. It also assists Victoria Police and other emergency services during major incidents.
It also plays a key role in responding to road accidents across Victoria, operating 103 of the 132 road crash rescue units across the state.
As noted by Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville
“Our VICSES volunteers play a vital role in our communities and last year alone dedicated more than 260,000 hours of their time to help others.”
“Wear Orange Wednesday is the perfect opportunity for all Victorians to show their support to our tireless volunteers, by dressing in orange and saying thank you for all their work in keep the community safe.”
